Today's Edition
(AP)
The greatest football tournament on the planet is about to get under way and the 2026 World Cup will be littered with the biggest stars in the game.
Here's a look at the players to watch in North America.
Lamine Yamal (Spain)
Yamal enjoyed a breakout tournament at Euro 2024, helping Spain to glory, and has since solidified his position as one of the game’s biggest talents. He possesses a lethal left foot, can run past defenders like they are not there and has an eye for a pass.
The build-up to the tournament was ruined by a hamstring injury, but he should recover to be one of the stars of the show.
Harry Kane (England)
England’s highest goalscorer arrives at the competition on the back of a record-breaking season for Bayern Munich, proving himself as one of the best players in the world.
The 32-year-old was the Golden Boot winner in 2018 and this could be his last shot at leading England to glory.
Erling Haaland (Norway)
A goalscoring behemoth in Europe for Borussia Dortmund and Manchester City for almost a decade, Haaland finally gets the chance to show his talent on the world stage.
His pace, power and finishing will scare opposition defences and he is likely to fire Norway into the knockout stages.
Kylian Mbappe (France)
One of the faces of the sport, the France striker has scored 12 goals in 14 World Cup appearances and could easily be targeting taking his tally to 20 in this expanded tournament.
His pace and movement remain his biggest assets, alongside the ability to always find a goal. A true global star who will take some stopping.
Vinicius Jr (Brazil)
The Brazil forward heads into the tournament as one of the most electrifying players in world football, capable of turning matches in an instant with his pace, skill and unpredictability.
After developing into a more clinical attacker, Vinicius now looks ready to become the face of Brazil’s bid to win a first World Cup since 2002.
Jamal Musiala (Germany)
Capable of creating highlight reel moments at will, Musiala will be Germany’s biggest attacking threat. His ability to ghost past players makes him a nightmare to defend against and, at 23, he is reaching his physical prime and is back from a long-term injury.
Musiala, who represented England at under-21 level, could be the player that brings them back into the conversation.
Michael Olise (France)
Another player who could have represented England, Olise will be a star for France. The winger has become one of the best players in Europe since his move to Bayern Munich.
Playing inverted on the right, the former Crystal Palace winger is deadly cutting inside on to his left foot and has great trickery and footwork as well as pace to stretch defences.
