World Cup 2026: 10 European based players who could dominate the tournament

Every World Cup creates new stars. While household names will inevitably dominate the headlines, the 2026 tournament could be remembered for a new generation of elite talent reaching their peak. Here are ten European-based players who could define the competition:

Lamine Yamal: Spain (Barcelona)

Already one of the most exciting footballers on the planet, Yamal looks destined to be one of the faces of this World Cup. His creativity, fearlessness and ability to decide games at just 18 years old make him one of the tournament's biggest attractions.

Jamal Musiala: Germany (Bayern Munich)

Musiala combines elegance and explosiveness better than almost anyone in world football. With Germany expected to challenge deep into the tournament, he could become one of the standout performers.

Désiré Doué: France (PSG)

The French youngster has developed rapidly and could arrive at the World Cup as one of Europe's most exciting breakout stars. Expect plenty of attention if France make another deep run.

Jude Bellingham: England (Real Madrid)

Already one of football's biggest names, Bellingham continues to evolve into a complete midfielder. His leadership and big-game mentality will be needed if England can make a claim for the trophy. After an injury ravaged season, he comes in raring to go.

Luka Modrić: Croatia (Milan)

We say a farewell to an icon. Modrić has already produced some of the tournament's most memorable moments, helping Croatia reach the 2018 final and 2022 semi-finals. If 2026 is his farewell on the world stage, expect football fans everywhere to savour every minute.

João Neves: Portugal (PSG)

Portugal's next great midfield conductor. Neves combines intelligence, energy and composure well beyond his years and could become one of the most influential midfielders at the tournament. If he doesn't I'm sure Vitinha might...oh the joy of options.

Edin Džeko: Bosnia and Herzegovina (Schalke)

Another veteran who continues to defy age. Džeko remains one of Europe's most respected forwards and helped his homeland to a surprise qualification. His story could become one of the tournament's most compelling narratives.

Harry Kane: England (Bayern Munich)

For all the individual awards, goals and records, one thing has remained elusive throughout much of Harry Kane's career: World Cup glory. Leading the line for Bayern Munich and still one of the most complete strikers in world football, Kane will head into the 2026 tournament knowing this could be his best opportunity to win the biggest prize in international football.

Achraf Hakimi: Morocco (PSG)

Hakimi is one of the world's elite full-backs, plays for one of Europe's biggest clubs and Morocco are always capable of causing problems at major tournaments after their historic 2022 run. He's also a player many travelling fans actively want to see live.

Christian Pulisic: United States (Milan)

No player carries the expectations of a nation quite like Christian Pulisic.

As the face of American soccer and one of the standout performers in Serie A, Pulisic will head into a home World Cup under enormous scrutiny. The AC Milan winger has consistently delivered for club and country over recent seasons and will be expected to lead the United States both on and off the pitch. With the tournament taking place largely on home soil, every moment involving Pulisic will attract huge attention. If the USA are to make a deep run, their captain and talisman will need to produce the biggest performances of his career.

The World Cup always produces unexpected heroes, but if you're looking for players who could leave North America as global superstars, start with this list.