🇳🇬NigeriaWest Africa
Top stars to watch at the 2026 FIFA World Cup
via Punch Nigeria2 min read
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico, will feature 48 teams and a mix of global superstars, established icons, and rising talents. Veteran legends like Cristiano Ronaldo of Portugal, set for a record sixth World Cup at age 41, and Lionel Messi of Argentina, likely making his final World Cup appearance as the 2022 champion captain, are expected to participate. Global superstars include Kylian Mbappé of France, Erling Haaland of Norway, Vinícius Júnior of Brazil, and Mohamed Salah of Egypt. Rising stars and breakout candidates feature Lamine Yamal of Spain, Jamal Musiala of Germany, and Bukayo Saka of England. Key midfield anchors and leaders include Jude Bellingham and Declan Rice of England, Harry Kane of England, Federico Valverde of Uruguay, Julián Álvarez of Argentina, Rodri of Spain, and Ousmane Dembélé of France. Other notable stars include Son Heung-min of South Korea. The tournament, which begins on June 11, 2026, is anticipated to be a transition period, with icons like Messi and Ronaldo potentially making their final appearances as the next generation aims to claim the spotlight.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by Punch Nigeria.
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