With just three weeks to go before the FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off, some of football’s biggest names are facing form and fitness concerns. The first-ever 48-team finals, spread across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, are set to be a thrilling spectacle.
Stars Under Pressure
This year’s tournament will see some of the world’s top players take to the stage, with their nations’ expectations weighing heavily on their shoulders. Here, we take a look at five of the stars who will be shouldering that burden.
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Kylian Mbappe’s Big Chance
Kylian Mbappe could become the all-time top goalscorer in World Cup history over the next few weeks, but he will be crossing the Atlantic after a troubled time at Real Madrid. The 27-year-old is yet to win a major trophy in two seasons at the Spanish giants, despite his prolific goalscoring record. Mbappe’s commitment has been questioned after he went on holiday while nursing a hamstring injury towards the end of the season.
A change of scenery on the international stage could be just what he needs as he aims to write more history on the global stage. Mbappe took the tournament by storm as a teenager in France’s 2018 World Cup win, plundering another eight goals, including a hat-trick in the final, as Les Bleus missed out on penalties to Argentina four years ago. He needs just four more goals to match Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 World Cup goals.
Erling Haaland’s Big Debut
Erling Haaland finally gets his first taste of a major international tournament after ending Norway’s 28-year wait to reach the World Cup. The Manchester City striker struck 16 times in eight games during Norway’s flawless qualifying campaign, which included two thrashings of Italy. That took his tally to a remarkable 55 goals in 49 international appearances.
Haaland is the poster boy for a golden generation of Norwegian players, including Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, that have been tipped as dark horses. However, Norway will need their star striker in top form after being handed a tough draw alongside France and African champions Senegal in Group I.
Vinicius Junior’s Chance to Shine
Neymar’s return to the Brazil squad has caught the imagination, but it is Vinicius Junior’s performance that will likely determine whether Carlo Ancelotti’s men end up with a sixth star on the famous yellow jersey. He and Mbappe have had to share the spotlight in Madrid, but the World Cup gives Vinicius the chance to become a national hero in Brazil and win the Ballon d’Or he craves.
Harry Kane’s Last Chance
England’s captain and all-time record goalscorer enters probably his last shot at World Cup glory off the back of a stunning season for Bayern Munich. Kane scored 58 goals in 50 games as Bayern romped to the Bundesliga title and narrowly missed out on the Champions League final. At international level, he has spearheaded the rise of the Three Lions to serial contenders, but is yet to end his nation’s 60-year wait to win a major tournament.
Lamine Yamal’s Fitness Concerns
The breakout star of Spain’s Euro 2024 triumph, Yamal’s hopes of taking the world by storm will depend on his recovery from a hamstring injury. The 18-year-old has not featured since suffering the injury for Barcelona on April 22 and could reportedly miss Spain’s first two group games against Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia.
