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Get ready for a festival of football like no other. No sporting competition attracts more worldwide-viewers than the football World Cup, and the 2026 edition is set to be the biggest yet, with as many as 48 nations competing for international football’s most coveted prize. The tournament will begin in Mexico City, as co-hosts Mexico take on South Africa in a repeat of the first match of the 2010 World Cup in Johannesburg. USA and Canada are also co-hosts. Now, when it comes to worldwide football expertise, nobody quite does it like Transfermarkt.
We have full-time staff members across five continents and further Data Scouts and volunteers all across the globe. That means, when it comes to knowledge for this summer’s World Cup, Transfermarkt is really the only place to be. We have pulled our international expertise to bring you a player to watch from each of the 48 nations competing at the tournament. They have all been carefully handpicked by one of our experts representing that country, and have been based on the player our expert expects to surprise most people at the 2026 World Cup. Here, we bring you part 1, focusing on 24 nations from the first six groups – group A – group F.
Group A
Mexico – Gilberto Mora
TM Mexico Area Manager Osvaldo González Camacho: Gilberto Mora arrives at the 2026 World Cup as the biggest jewel of Mexican football and arguably one of the most exciting teenage talents in the world right now. At just 17 years old, the Xolos midfielder has already established himself as a difference-maker at senior level, combining personality, creativity and maturity far beyond his age. What separates Mora from many young prospects is not only his technical quality, but the calmness and confidence with which he handles high-pressure moments.
His rise throughout 2025 was spectacular. Between Club Tijuana, Mexico’s senior national team and the Mexico U20 side, Mora registered 11 goals and four assists in 43 appearances. Internationally, he helped Mexico win the 2025 Gold Cup and captained the U20 team during a standout World Cup campaign. Mora is already attracting major global attention – his agent has openly confirmed concrete interest from clubs including Real Madrid, Manchester City and Arsenal. After some injury issues, the teenager has now returned fully fit and enters the tournament as one of the breakout players to watch on home soil.
Czech Republic – Pavel Sulc
TM Czech Data Scout Jakub Hurka: I spent a long time deciding between the newly elected captain, Ladislav Krejčí, and Pavel Sulc. Although Krejčí’s strong leadership got us to the World Cup, I’m picking Sulc as the player to watch. Sulc is an offensive all-rounder; he can play as a striker, second striker, winger, or attacking midfielder. However, he is most comfortable in creative roles. He used to be famous in the Czech league for missing lots of chances, but the last three seasons have been exceptionally successful for him in terms of productivity.
He has excellent awareness, and despite his short stature (1.77m), he has managed to score several goals with his head. He has also demonstrated in the play-off against Denmark that he isn’t afraid to take – successful – shots from long range. This summer, he made his big move, his first transfer outside the Czech Republic. In Lyon, he didn’t need much time to adapt and quickly settled into the team. Given that, I believe he will quickly adjust to the American environment, facing teams from Africa, Asia, and the Americas – opponents our national team hasn’t played in a very long time.
South Africa – Mbekezeli Mbokazi
TM South Africa Area Manager Sahil Ebrahim: South Africa’s return to the highest level of international football has been met with much excitement. Much of this is down to the high expectation of a new generation of players that have shown flair, passion and top performances. Whilst many nations are excited about their latest midfield or attacking talent, South Africans are hyped about a young defensive star – Mbekezeli Mbokazi. He has very quickly graduated through the ranks.
His performances have been so impressive that they have earned him an international transfer to Chicago Fire – just halfway through his first senior season with Orlando Pirates. TLB (Tractor-Loader-Backhoe) Mbokazi – as he is affectionately referred to – has already won over hearts in the MLS and will no doubt be an important anchor in the Bafana Bafana defence during their Group A campaign which begins against hosts Mexico. At just 20 years of age, he could be the future of South African football, and this tournament he will already likely be key to the nation’s success.
South Korea – Oh Hyeon-gyu
TM Asia Area manager Tiberius Radziejewski: All eyes are on Oh Hyeon-gyu for South Korea this summer. The 25-year-old striker is enjoying one of the strongest seasons of his career following his move to Beşiktaş in February – a transfer that made him one of the most expensive Korean players in history. Standing at 1.87m, his overall performances have strengthened his reputation both at club and international level. Hyeon-gyu first received a senior national team call-up in 2022, but for much of his early involvement he was limited to appearances from the bench.
His club form with Genk and later Beşiktaş earned him regular call-ups, and he increasingly established himself as South Korea’s preferred option in the central striker role. With several key figures from South Korea’s current generation entering the latter stages of their careers, a crucial transition is underway. Emerging stars such as Lee Kang-in and Oh are expected to lead the next era and help bridge that gap. In his first appearance at the World Cup, Oh will be one of the players under the spotlight as South Korea aim to reach the knockout stage once again.
Group B
Canada – Alphonso Davies
TM North America Area Manager Manuel Veth: When Russia was awarded the tournament ahead of North America for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, Alphonso Davies was the poster child for the bidding committee. A young man at the time, about to be transferred to Bayern Munich, Davies was the embodiment of the Canadian dream. Born in the refugee camp of Buduburam, Ghana, to Liberian parents, Davies grew up in Edmonton, Alberta, before launching his career with the Vancouver Whitecaps.
A transfer to Bayern Munich followed in 2019, where he became a superstar in the Bundesliga and easily North America’s best player. That shine, however, has come off somewhat recently. Smaller injuries slowed down Davies, then, as he regained his form under Vincent Kompany, a major ACL injury stopped him again. This season has been one of a few ups and mostly downs. Davies is still Canada’s biggest star, slightly ahead of Juventus’ Jonathan David, but there is no doubt that his career is at a crossroads and shining for Canada at the World Cup could change his fortunes.
Bosnia-Herzegovina – Kerim Alajbegovic
TM Bosnia Data Scout Zlatan S: Kerim Alajbegovic is not a classic ‘winger’ but more of an inside forward who like to cuts inside. He seeks one-on-one situations and targets dribbling at full-backs and isolating them. He possesses a powerful shot and is two-footed, which makes him unpredictable. He scores his goals not only from within the penalty area but also has the technique for long-range shots – even with his supposedly ‘weaker foot’.
Alajbegovic is certainly one of the most important players in the squad. He showed in the play-offs that he can also take on a leadership role despite his young age. Plus, he’s ice-cold, as seen with his two penalties in the play-offs. He belongs to the new generation of Bosnian players, along with players like Esmir Bajraktarevic, Tarik Muharemović, Amar Dedić, Nidal Celik, Armin Gigović, and Benjamin Tahirović, who, if all goes well, will shape our football for the next 10 years.
Qatar – Akram Afif
TM Asia Area Manager Tiberius Radziejewski: Akram Afif once again finds himself at the centre of Qatar’s World Cup ambitions. The 29-year-old Qatari star is producing one of the finest campaigns of his career at Al-Sadd, highlighted by winning the QFA Best Player award for the 2025/26 season – for the sixth time. As usual, Afif delivered strong numbers with 15 goals and 12 assists across 22 Qatar Stars League matches. For the national team, Afif has long been Qatar’s defining figure and is already one of the most capped players in the countries history.
After making his senior debut at just 18 years old, he developed into the team’s main playmaker and one of its most important leaders. His impact in qualifying for this World Cup was immense, contributing four goals and 15 assists as Qatar secured their first-ever qualification for the tournament via the qualification route. Following back-to-back AFC Asian Cup triumphs, Qatar’s performances have been more inconsistent, meaning this tournament could represent a final opportunity on the biggest stage for both Afif and the country’s golden generation. A place in the knockout stage is possible, but Qatar will need to come through a challenging group first.
Switzerland – Johan Manzambi
TM Germany Content Manager Jannek Ringen: Johan Manzambi has had an outstanding season – he has proved his skills at both club and international level. At the end of the 2024/25 season, he came out of nowhere to join SC Freiburg’s squad and made an immediate impact. This season, he has been an absolute first-team regular and is likely to leave the club as their record signing this summer. Manzambi is characterised by his physicality combined with excellent technical ability; he is a classic box-to-box midfielder who poses a constant goal threat.
One minor drawback this season is that he sometimes goes into tackles recklessly, which has resulted in two red cards. As he is only 20 years old, he still has plenty of room for improvement. If Switzerland are to have a successful World Cup, Manzambi will likely be one of the key players alongside established names such as Granit Xhaka and Manuel Akanji.
Group C
Brazil – Vinicius Junior
TM Brazilian Journalist Thiago Rabelo: Neymar was the main name of the Brazilian national team in the last three World Cups. Despite being called up for 2026, the star who played for Barcelona and PSG is no longer the same. His physical condition leaves a lot to be desired, as does his intensity in the game. The talent is still there, but it’s difficult to imagine that Neymar will be one of Brazil’s top stars. The name of the moment in the country is Vinicius Junior, Real Madrid’s forward and elected the best player in the world by FIFA in 2024.
The 2026 World Cup is Vinicius’ chance to change his image in Brazil. Despite all the achievements he has had with Real Madrid, he has very poor numbers for the national team – only eight goals in 47 matches. The difference now is Carlo Ancelotti. Under the Italian’s command, Vinicius has experienced the best moments of his international career. The previous coaches before Ancelotti gave special attention to Neymar. Vinicius has always been treated as just another player in the squad. With Ancelotti, he’s the star player, and that could make all the difference for Brazil in 2026.
Morocco – Neil El Aynaoui
TM Africa Area Manager O’Neal Keamogetse Radinne: A recent AFCON winner with the Moroccan NT, Neil El Aynaoui is a top 24-year old central midfielder for Roma in the Serie A. Before his move to neighbouring Italy, he joined RC Lens’ B-side from Nancy and was swiftly promoted to the club’s first team, to which he has also contributed two seasons with the club. He is widely cited as a box-to-box midfielder due to his playing style. His profile highlights his mobility, progressive passing and ball-carrying abilities that make him suitable for transitional and pressing systems.
El Aynaoui is also praised by many for his consistent displays and shows tactical adaptability across the midfield. El Aynaoui has proven himself as a seasoned footballer with club level 164 apps and also contributing to 29 goal-scoring contributions across French and Italian football. He made his Morocco debut under former coach Walid Regragui and played every single minute of their recent AFCON success. Oh, and he is also the son of Younes El Aynaoui, who is a Moroccan coach and former professional tennis player.
Haiti – Wilson Isidor
TM North America Area Manager Manuel Veth: It is a fantastic story that Haiti have made the 2026 World Cup, and now the side will face challenges both on and off the field. One of the poorest countries in the Caribbean region, Haiti, will rely heavily on dual nationals who play in leagues such as MLS, USL Championship, and lower divisions in Europe.
The one exception is Wilson Isidor. Born in Rennes, France, Isidor has a market value of €18m, which makes him the most valuable player in the squad by some distance. Playing in the Premier League for Sunderland, Isidor has scored six goals in 32 league games this season. Given the lack of other strikers playing in any of Europe’s top five leagues, Haiti will heavily rely on Isidor to provide presence in attack.
Scotland – Ben Gannon-Doak
TM UK Content Manager Euan Robertson: It’s fair to suggest that Scotland won’t be the most exciting nation to watch at the World Cup. Steve Clarke is renowned for his ultra cautious approach as evidenced by their timid exit at Euro 2024. There’s a glaring lack of pace in the Scotland squad but Ben Gannon-Doak is the real exception. The Bournemouth winger offers something completely different and his searing pace will be vital if Scotland sit deep against Morocco and Brazil – the handbrake must come off against minnows Haiti. Doak is one of the only players in the squad that can beat his defender one vs one and he could explode on the major stage.
Injuries have disrupted his season after joining Bournemouth from Liverpool but there’s a reason Anfield chiefs inserted a by-back clause in his deal. The 20-year-old, naturally, still has areas of his game to improve on, especially his final product, but he possesses the skillset to make a real difference for Scotland. It would be easy to pick John McGinn or Scott McTominay as they’ve been talismanic for Scotland but Doak could be Clarke’s ace up his sleeve.
Group D
USA – Christian Pulisic
TM North America Area Manager Manuel Veth: There was so much promise when Christian Pulisic first burst onto the scene for Borussia Dortmund a decade ago. A move to Chelsea was supposed to turn Pulisic into America’s true first global soccer star. Although he was extremely productive at times and won the Champions League with Chelsea in 2021, Pulisic never managed a complete breakthrough in the Premier League.
In 2023, Pulisic finally moved on to AC Milan. There, he regained his spark from his Dortmund days. Pulisic was direct, scored goals and was a big star in Italian football. But this season has been tricky. Injuries meant that Pulisic never had the consistent playing time he needed to develop top form. On his best day, he is fast and direct, almost unplayable. On bad days, he disappears completely. This season, the bad days have been more numerous than the good days. Now he is supposed to be the poster boy for the US men’s national team at the World Cup. Can he withstand that pressure? Time will tell.
Paraguay – Julio Enciso
TM Paraguayan Data Scout Nicolás Vázquez: Julio Enciso is clearly the main man for Paraguay’s national team this summer. He looks much more mature and as he’s now not only just a good dribbler of the ball, but also has become a real team-player. He’s trying to do much more in attack and the World Cup is a great opportunity for him to show what he can do and consolidate his place as a true Paraguayan star.
In all competitions, he has scored 12 goals and provided nine assists for Strasbourg this season. After a quieter spell in England, he is once again showing the promise we saw when he first burst onto the scene with Brighton in the 2022/23 season, and if Paraguay want to enjoy a good World Cup, Enciso will be crucial. Watch out for his long shots.
Australia – Nestory Irankunda
TM Australian Data Scout Klevio: Whilst Jackson Irvine and captain Mathew Ryan have been arguably the country’s most important players for the past few years, there’s one talented youngster that cannot be overlooked by the name of Nestory Irankunda. He was first called up to the senior national team for two friendlies in March 2023, having just turned 17 the previous month. He wouldn’t make his national team debut until June 2024, where he started on his debut against Bangladesh, registering an assist, and even scored in the next game in a 5-0 win against Palestine. He has already scored five goals in his 13 caps for Australia.
He is well-known for his blistering pace and a rocket of a right foot, which makes him an excellent dribbler and can hit a free-kick as well. These attributes make him extremely tricky to play against, especially during one-on-ones. Mainly operating as a right winger, he can also play on the opposite flank or sometimes up front. Whilst it is unsure if Tony Popovic would make him a regular starter, even if he comes on as a substitute, he definitely has the ability to provide an attacking spark in the team and be a game changer for the Socceroos.
Türkiye – Kenan Yıldız
TM Turkey Area Manager Lara Karacan: Kenan Yıldız is already one of the biggest hopes of Turkish football despite being just 21 years old. Born in Germany, and eligible for both nations, the Juventus star chose to represent Türkiye early in his career and has quickly become a key player for the national team alongside Arda Güler. The duo are seen as the faces of Türkiye’s new generation and already carry huge responsibility heading into the World Cup.
Yıldız also took a bold step at club level, leaving Bayern Munich’s academy for Juventus in search of better first-team opportunities. The move paid off quickly, with the attacker becoming a fan favourite in Turin and inheriting the club’s iconic No.10 shirt. Even in a difficult season this year for Juventus, he remained one of the team’s brightest players. The World Cup could now be the perfect stage for Yıldız to elevate himself even further. A strong tournament would not only be crucial for his country’s ambitions, but could also boost his market value and strengthen his reputation as one of Europe’s top young talents.
Group E
Germany – Manuel Neuer
TM Germany Content Manager Lennart Gens: In the run-up to the World Cup, the goalkeeping situation was the biggest talking point for the German national team. Following Manuel Neuer’s retirement, Oliver Baumann of Hoffenheim started every match, and until mid-May it looked as though the 35-year-old would be between the posts for the tournament as well. However, Manuel Neuer then decided to make a comeback after all – a decision not everyone in Germany agreed with.
There is no doubt that Neuer is one of the best goalkeepers in football history. Nevertheless, it remains unclear whether, at the age of 40, he is still good enough to lead the German team to a second World Cup title after 2014. In the Champions League, his performances for Bayern Munich have been inconsistent. In the first leg of the quarter-final against Real Madrid, he was reminiscent of his prime, but in the return leg he was directly involved in two goals conceded.
Ivory Coast – Yan Diomande
TM Africa Area Manager O’Neal Keamogetse Radinne: It is mind-blowing to consider that he is only 19 years old – Yan Diomande has made 23 goal-scoring contributions in 36 apps for RB Leipzig in all competitions in his debut Bundesliga season and this display in German elite football earned him a call up to The Elephants’ NT, where he made his debut at 18-years of age. Since then, he has scored three goals in nine apps for the Ivory Coast, with one of those goals scored at the recent AFCON.
This confidence in his ability has placed him on the radar of European football elites such as Liverpool, Real Madrid, PSG and Bayern Munich. Who is to say where this wonderkind will find himself at the end of the global spectacle given he takes his league form into the World Cup? He ranks fourth on Transfermarkt’s Golden Boy Top 100 list, which is a testament to the kind of quality he possesses. TM’s Thomas Deterding had this to write about Diomande on March: “he is one of the standout rising stars of the 2025/26 Bundesliga Season.” This is reflected both in his on-pitch statistics and his market value.
Curaçao – Tahith Chong
TM North America Area Manager Manuel Veth: When the island nation of Curaçao kick off the World Cup in Houston against four-time champions Germany, not a single player on the pitch representing the island state will have been born in the Caribbean. With one exception, Tahith Chong. Chong was actually born in Willemstad, the capital of the former Netherlands Antilles. To this day, Curaçao is part of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, which is why most of the squad consists of players born in the Netherlands with parents or grandparents from the Caribbean island.
In that regard, Chong is a major exception. But not only is Chong the only ‘true’ Caribbean on the team, but the playmaker will also be extremely important. With a market value of €3.5m, Chong is the second most valuable player in the squad behind Armando Obispo. Chong’s creativity and playmaking ability will be needed if Curaçao want to survive in a group with Germany, Ivory Coast and Ecuador.
Ecuador – Moisés Caicedo
TM Ecuador Data Administrator Christopher García: Moisés Caicedo is the leader and the heart of the Ecuador team; he is undoubtedly the fans’ favourite. With his courage, leadership, and refusal to give up on any ball, he has become the undisputed star. Even looking back at the team’s previous elimination, he was the player who took it the hardest because he feels the shirt like no one else and because of his love for his country. This World Cup will be his chance for redemption.
Caicedo will be crucial for Ecuador; he is the key player who has started most of the qualifying matches and is shaping up to be the undisputed captain. His absence is always felt on the field – his through passes and ability to win back possession make him the most decisive force on the team. The fans expect a lot from him. In interviews, he has said that his expectations are high, and his desire to make history with this team has fans very excited. Furthermore, his humility makes him widely admired and loved throughout the country.
Group F
Netherlands – Donyell Malen
TM Netherlands Content Manager Owen van Leeuwen: Since Donyell Malen made the move to Roma, he has managed to score 14 times and provide two assists in just 18 matches – he is in the form of his life, after struggling to nail down a spot at Aston Villa in the Premier League. He has played primarily as a striker at Roma; the question is whether he will also play as a striker for the Dutch national team. Koeman often uses Malen as a winger, but he usually fails to impress there.
Will Malen now get a chance as a striker or will Koeman opt for his trusted striker Memphis Depay? I think it should be the latter, and should Malen get the chance as a striker, I believe he can certainly make a bid for the top goalscorer at the World Cup, and could be key for the Netherlands’ chances of progressing further in the tournament.
Japan – Daichi Kamada
TM Japan Area Manager Takako Maruga: In the Japanese national team, which is missing many important players because of injury (Kaoru Mitoma, Takumi Minamino) or because they weren’t selected like Hidemasa Morita of Sporting, the role of Crystal Palace’s Daichi Kamada could be even more important this summer. He is likely to start with Kaishu Sano in the midfield instead of Wataru Endo. Kamada, who won the Conference League has enjoyed a stellar season in South London.
Sometimes he play as No.8, but as a defensive midfielder I think he is at his best. He can be the connecting point between the attack and the defence, and can play the decisive passes through to the front line. His calmness and composure really gives stability to the team, and his confidence, which has formed through many experiences at a high level, helps the Japan national team greatly.
Sweden – Viktor Gyökeres
TM Sweden Data Scout JoelClae: Viktor Gyökeres has the potential to astonish audiences at the World Cup this summer representing the Swedish national football team; his skills extend beyond scoring goals. The 27 year old contributes with his strength, speed, ability to press, and knack for creating opportunities independently. He is now a Premier League champions and has returned a very decent 21 goal in his first season at Arsenal.
Gyökeres is a great match for Sweden’s style of play, which typically involves direct, hardworking tactics with fast counterattacks. Gyökeres is suited for this approach, as he can maintain possession, make runs behind defenders, and initiate pressing with vigour and tenacity. His threat lies in his capacity to convert minimal opportunities into significant outcomes. In the context of tournament football, where matches can be highly competitive, this is extremely valuable. He could evolve into the focal point around which Sweden constructs their entire offensive strategy.
Tunisia – Hannibal
TM Tunisia Data Scout Yazjel: Hannibal seems to appear stronger with Tunisia than in club football, and I think it’s because he gets greater confidence shown in him and clear responsibilities from the staff. In the national team, his role is better defined and more flexible than with his club which allows him to express his creativity. His natural leadership is also reinforced by a special motivation when wearing the Tunisia national team jersey.
Hannibal can help Tunisia reach new heights this summer thanks to these previously mentioned qualities, as well as his ability to set the pace and tempo in knockout-matches. However, of course he cannot do it alone. For Tunisia to get past the group stages, he needs to have a great tournament and have a united team alongside him.
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