Top 25 players to watch at the 2026 World Cup revealed
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Jun 9, 2026, 10:45 AM
Last updated Jun 9, 2026
Yahoo Sports has ranked the best 25 players expected to shine at the 2026 World Cup. Key figures include Lionel Messi, who returns for his sixth tournament as a likely standout, and Achraf Hakimi, recognized as the top right back globally. Other notable players on the list are Jude Bellingham and Raphinha, both essential to their national teams. The World Cup will showcase a mix of established stars and emerging talents as teams prepare to compete for the title.
- •Lionel Messi ranks 25th despite being nearly 39 years old.
- •Achraf Hakimi, listed 24th, is seen as the best right back.
- •Jude Bellingham's position dropped due to a subpar season with Real Madrid.
- •Raphinha has emerged as a crucial player for Brazil.
- •The tournament will feature both star veterans and new talents.
- 10:45 AMYahoo Sports — Ranking the best 25 players at the 2026 World Cup
"The World Cup is about stars, and this tournament will have no shortage of them.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days- LaLiga•Jun 9, 2026, 12:20 PMNetherlands defender all but confirms Real Madrid transfer with Instagram activity
- EPL•Jun 9, 2026, 12:15 PMBournemouth offer release clause in bid to keep Alex Scott, amid Liverpool and Spurs pursuit
- Soccer•Jun 9, 2026, 12:12 PMSoccer Icon Ian Wright Torches America’s ‘World Cup Of Chaos’
- EPL•Jun 9, 2026, 12:10 PMTen youngsters who could dominate on their World Cup debut
- Champions League•Jun 9, 2026, 12:10 PMReal Madrid negotiations for €120m midfield star ‘quite advanced’
- FIFA World Cup•Jun 9, 2026, 12:05 PMCity's 17 stars chasing World Cup glory
