Past years have taught us that anything is possible in the World Cup: surprise upsets, shocking stars, and secret weapons. So, after the opening weekend of the 2026 World Cup, here are our picks for top playmakers you should keep an eye on to help you avoid missing historical moments as the tournament heats up!
Lionel Messi
You know him, you love him, and you certainly should be watching him, because Lionel Messi is making 38 look like the new 22. Arriving at his 6th World Cup, Messi is the heartbeat of the defending World Cup champions, Argentina. Already in his opener, he scored a hat trick, beating Algeria 3-0. So, to all those who thought this would be a farewell cameo, buckle up, because Messi’s turning his last ride into a real championship contender.
Yan Diomande
Possibly the most intriguing young midfield-forward hybrid on the field, Yan Diomande is a regular for RB Leipzig and a rising star for the Ivory Coast Elephants. As the youngest World Cup player in his country’s history and the Man of the Match in their opening 1-0 win against Ecuador, he is shaping up to be a rising star with the potential to bring the Ivory Coast far in their return to the global stage, which you definitely don’t want to miss!
Erling Haaland
Norway returns to the FIFA World Cup for the first time since 1998, and Erling Haaland has something to say about it. As the focal point of the team, the Manchester City forward brings his trademark blend of size, acceleration, and ruthless finishes to the pitch. Projections tab him as among the top Golden Boot contenders, and his strikes on the field prove it, positioning Norway as a real dark-horse competitor you definitely shouldn’t count out.
Kylian Mbappé
Already a World Cup winner in 2018 and the Golden Boot winner in 2022, Real Madrid superstar Kylian Mbappé enters 2026 in his prime, leading the star-studded, favorite-to-win French team as their captain. People already project him to be the top scorer of this tournament, and his 2 goals in France’s 3-1 win over Senegal certainly aren’t quieting them down. Poised to chase history at this World Cup, Mbappé is deadset on being a defining player of his generation and demands your close attention.
Lamine Yamal
Although his minutes are being carefully managed as he recovers from a hamstring injury from April, the 18-year-old FC Barcelona breakout phenomenon Lamine Yamal is sure to have star player moments this World Cup on the highly competitive Spanish team. As one of, if not the, most talked-about young stars, this left-footed winger deserves his flowers, winning back-to-back, 24-25 and 25-26, Supercopa de España with Barcelona. With killer dribbling, creative playmaking, and maturity beyond his years, Yamal must be watched as the tournament heats up and he gets more play time.
Every player has the potential to be a star on the World Cup stage. So, stay tuned, stream the World Cup on FOX, and be sure not to miss out on history in the making!
