Top 100 Players In The 2026 FIFA World Cup, Ranked

The best players in the world will be on display this summer at the 2026 World Cup. So, let’s rank them. 

Ahead of the world's premier sporting event, our experts ranked the 100 best stars who will likely feature at this summer’s World Cup, hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.

This week we're releasing Nos. 50-26, and there are some serious star players making their appearances. Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo — who is expected to play in his sixth World Cup — joins the list, as do Belgium's Kevin De Bruyne and Croatia's Luka Modrić. Where do these legends land and which young stars beat them out on the countdown?

JUMP TO: 
100-76 | 75-51 | 50-26 | 25-11 (May 25) | 10-1 (June 1)

Without further ado, let’s get into it with insight from FOX Sports soccer analysts Maurice Edu, Stu Holden and Alexi Lalas.

2026 FIFA World Cup Top 100 Players: Nos. 100-76

(Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

Age: 28
National team appearances: 52
Club team: AC Milan (Italy)

Estupiñán thrived in the Premier League for three seasons with Brighton before making a move to AC Milan last summer. He is one of the impressive talents that make Ecuador a potential sleeper this summer.

(Photo by JONATHAN NACKSTRAND/AFP via Getty Images)

Age: 26
National team appearances: 56
Club team: Liverpool (England)

Isak scored 52 goals in his last two seasons at Newcastle before making a big-money move to Liverpool last summer. Injuries have limited him to just four goals and 21 games this season, but he is a constant threat to score whenever he’s on the pitch.

"This is a guy who shows he oozes quality in the final third," Edu said. "He’s a guy that can be a threat in behind, he can link up play, but more than anything else, he’s a finisher."

(Photo by Catherine Ivill - AMA/Getty Images)

Age: 29
National team appearances: 77
Club team: Bayern Munich (Germany)

Kim won Serie A with Napoli in 2023 before making a big move to Bayern Munich. He hasn’t established himself as a first-choice player for the German giants, but he will be a pillar in the Korean defense this summer.

"When we redo this, maybe at the end of the tournament, and we look back, we might say, ‘I can’t believe we had Kim only at 98,’ when he comes out as one of the great center backs of the tournament," Lalas said.

(Photo by Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images)

Age: 23
National team appearances: 18
Club team: Paris Saint-Germain (France)

Barcola is one of the hugely talented French attacking players who will be vying for a starting spot. At 22 years old, Barcola is one of the best young wingers in the world and plays at PSG, which won last season’s UEFA Champions League.

(Photo by Daniel Jayo/Getty Images)

Age: 28
National team appearances: 26
Club team: Manchester United (England)

Martínez would start at center back for most teams in this tournament, but he’s likely going to start as the third option behind Cristian Romero and Nicolas Otamendi, who started during Argentina’s winning run in 2022. He can fill in at left back, as well, and will play a role somehow for the reigning champions.

(Photo by Michael Regan - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)

Age: 25
National team appearances: 49
Club team: Manchester City (England)

Foden was the Premier League Player of the Season in 2023-24, but he has not built off that honor. At 25 years old, he is yet to find his footing and establish a spot in the England team.

(Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)

Age: 28
National team appearances: 31
Club team: Brighton (England)

Mitoma is an exciting winger who broke out two years ago for Brighton. He scored the winning goal for Japan back on March 31 in a friendly against England and will be the key player in attack for his country this summer.

Editor's note: Mitoma will miss the World Cup due to a hamstring injury on May 9.

(Photo by Antonio Borga/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)

Age: 28
National team appearances: 33
Club team: Inter Milan (Italy)

Kylian Mbappé will likely lead France’s attack at the start of the tournament, but Thuram is a very good alternative. Son of former France star Lilian Thuram, Marcus has scored at least 12 Serie A goals in each of his first three seasons at Inter Milan.

(Photo by Manuel Queimadelos/Quality Sport Images/Getty Images)

Age: 29
National team appearances: 52
Club team: Real Sociedad (Spain)

A winger by trade for Real Sociedad, Oyarzabal has stepped up as a striker for the national team in the past. The best example was in the Euro 2024 final, when he scored the winning goal for Spain against England.

"Just an absolute baller," Holden said. "I think he should be so much higher than 92. He’s so underrated. He’s 29 years old, and he’s played in six finals in his career. Do you know in how many of those finals he has scored? All six. He’s scored in every final that he has played in."

(Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)

Age: 24
National team appearances: 24
Club team: Paris Saint-Germain (France)

Ramos famously replaced Cristiano Ronaldo in the Portugal lineup for a Round of 16 game against Switzerland at the 2022 World Cup and scored a hat trick. Ronaldo will likely start the tournament up front for Portugal, but Ramos is one of the best backup strikers you’ll see this summer.

(Photo by Yair Gonzalez/Jam Media/Getty Images)

Age: 34
National team appearances: 125
Club team: Fulham (England)

Jiménez is a fixture in the Fulham starting lineup and will be the main man for Mexico this summer. With 44 goals for El Tri, he’s two goals behind former striker Jared Borgetti for second most all time.

"The pressure that’s going to be on his shoulders will be incredibly heavy," Edu said. 

(Photo by Hakan Akgun/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Age: 20
National team appearances: 28
Club team: Juventus (Italy)

Yıldız broke into the Juventus lineup three years ago and quickly became a focal point of the team’s attack. At 20 years old, he has already made 28 appearances for Türkiye.

"He is a guy that, at any moment, can change a game," Holen said.

(Photo by Michael Regan - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)

Age: 27
National team appearances: 16
Club team: Arsenal (England)

Eze made a huge move to Arsenal last summer and immediately became a big part of Mikel Arteta's squad. He normally plays an attacking role, but he could push for the spot in England's midfield that is usually occupied by Real Madrid star Jude Bellingham.

(Photo by Diego Souto/Getty Images)

Age: 29
National team appearances: 41
Club team: Arsenal (England)

Merino is unlikely to start for Spain, but he'll still probably play a big role. He scored eight goals in 10 appearances last year for the reigning European champions. A midfielder by trade, Merino has also played as a striker for both club and country.

(Photo by Stephen Nadler/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)

Age: 34
National team appearances: 84
Club team: Manchester United (England)

Casemiro is a four-time Champions League winner at Real Madrid, but he hasn’t maintained his high level of quality since moving to Manchester United in 2022. His former Real Madrid manager, Carlo Ancelotti, is now in charge of Brazil and brought the midfielder back to the national team last year.

"Have you watched Casemiro this season? He’s having a renaissance," Holden said. "He’s been flying. Brazil is going to need him with some of the injuries they’re picking up now."

(Photo by Fran Santiago - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)

Age: 30
National team appearances: 41
Club team: Paris Saint-Germain (France)

Ruiz was part of PSG’s dominant midfield trio last year that powered the team’s Champions League victory. Spain’s midfield is loaded with talent, so it won’t be as easy for him to find a spot in the starting lineup.

(Photo by David Balogh - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)

Age: 25
National team appearances: 27
Club team: Manchester City (England)

Guéhi was the captain for Crystal Palace last summer when the South London club won the FA Cup. He moved to Manchester City earlier this year and has immediately become a fixture in the reigning Premier League champion’s defense.

(Photo by Rico Brouwer/Soccrates/Getty Images)

Age: 25
National team appearances: 15
Club team: Liverpool (England)

Frimpong is listed as a defender, but he’s as important to the Dutch attack as he is to its defense. He has impressive pace and is a constant threat down the right wing when he’s on the pitch.

(Photo by Jack Thomas - The FA/The FA via Getty Images)

Age: 26
National team appearances: 22
Club team: Chelsea (England)

James will be an important player for England this summer with versatility to play either right back or midfield. Staying healthy has been James’ problem at Chelsea, although he has played in more than two dozen games in the Premier League this season.

(Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

Age: 33
National team appearances: 143
Club team: LAFC (United States)

Son is in the middle of his first full season in Los Angeles after a decade in the Premier League with Tottenham Hotspur. He’s South Korea’s all-time leader in national team appearances.

"He’s struggling a little bit at the start of the season from a goals perspective. But I still think when it comes to South Korea, when it comes to big games, I don’t worry for a second," Holden said.

(Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images)

Age: 27
National team appearances: 46
Club team: Barcelona (Spain)

Koundé will likely start at right back for the French, who are among the favorites this summer. He has made at least 40 appearances in each of the last four seasons for Barcelona.

(Photo by Robin Alam/ISI Photos via Getty Images)

Age: 27
National team appearances: 84
Club team: AC Milan (Italy)

"Captain America" will have all eyes on him this summer. At 27 years old, Pulisic has already made 84 appearances for the U.S. national team. His 32 goals are 25 behind Landon Donovan and Clint Dempsey. Pulisic has not scored for the U.S. since November 2024, so he’ll need to regain his form if the Americans want to make a run into the knockout round.

"On talent alone, Pulisic is a top-40 player in the world," Holden said.

(Photo by Hakan Akgun/Anadolu via Getty Images)

Age: 21
National team appearances: 28
Club team: Real Madrid (Spain)

Güler is finishing up his third season at Real Madrid and has emerged as a key player in the squad. He will be the main man for Türkiye for years to come, starting with this summer’s World Cup.

"Güler and Kenan Yıldız are going to play a big part for Türkiye in this World Cup," Holden said. "Playing at Real Madrid, there’s a certain level of not just quality that you need to have, but personality — being able to handle the weight of that shirt. And now, when you put on that Türkiye jersey as well, we’ve seen him deliver. At such a young age, we have seen him take that responsibility."

(Photo by Sebastian Frej/Getty Images)

Age: 27
National team appearances: 32
Club team: Arsenal (England)

Gyökeres scored a memorable hat trick against Poland in the UEFA World Cup playoffs in March, including one in the 87th minute to seal a 3-2 win. He moved to Arsenal last summer and has 18 goals in all competitions.

(Photo by Luciano Lima/Getty Images)

Age: 27
National team appearances: 48
Club team: Barcelona (Spain)

Olmo emerged as a key player for Spain at Euro 2024. He scored three goals — finishing in a six-way tie for the Golden Boot — including one in the quarterfinal and semifinal against Germany and France, respectively.

2026 FIFA World Cup Top 100 Players: Nos. 75-51

(Photo by Agustin Cuevas/Getty Images)

Age: 31
National team appearances: 66
Club team: Barcelona (Spain), on loan from Al-Hilal

Few defenders will be important attackers for their countries this summer, but Cancelo is one of them. The right back has impressive pace that makes him a threat down the wing. He has 12 goals in 66 appearances for Portugal, which is a very good rate for a defender.

(Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

Age: 24
National team appearances: 22
Club team: Arsenal (England)

Martinelli will be a key player for Brazil this summer. He has struggled to establish a starting spot on the left wing because of Vinícius Júnior and Rodrygo, but his pace means he will be a key contributor this summer. He only has one Premier League goal for Arsenal this season, so he isn’t in the best form right now.

(Photo by Shaun Clark/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)

Age: 27
National team appearances: 64
Club team: Juventus (Italy)

McKennie is the highest-rated American player on this list, having established himself as a fixture in Juventus’ lineup. He has played at least 34 games in Italy’s Serie A in each of the last three seasons and has been all over the field — in defense at fullback, in midfield and as an attacker.

"The guy is a baller. I would say he’s having the most impressive season of his career," Holden added. "The most important thing is, now he’s playing further forward up the field, and he’s shown that he can score goals and create assists."

McKennie can do it all, which the United States may need him to do this summer if it makes a run through the knockout stages. If the Americans are playing, expect to see a lot of McKennie.

"Ever since he came into the national team, when he’s on the pitch, the team has a different kind of bounce to them," Edu said. "He’s expressive in everything he does, whether that’s attacking play in the final third or being on the opposite end defending and tracking back. One of the beautiful things about him is that he’s so adaptable. To me, he’s growing into being probably the most important player on this team."

(Photo by Matias Baglietto/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Age: 27
National team appearances: 44
Club team: Liverpool (England)

Mac Allister will be a key presence in the Argentina midfield this summer, as he was in 2022 en route to World Cup glory. Since then, he moved to Liverpool and won the Premier League last season. Mac Allister is capable of popping up and scoring a huge goal while also dictating the game on the ball. He’s one of the best center midfielders in the world.

"If it’s one game in a World Cup to win, I want that guy on my team," Holden said. "He’s a World Cup winner, a Premier League winner. He’s a gamer. He can flick the light switch and be a baller."

(Getty Images)

Age: 26
National team appearances: 43
Club team: AC Milan (Italy)

When Leão is fit and in form, few attackers in the world are better. Consistency has been the issue for the Portugal attacker, who has only scored five goals in 43 games for the national team. If he’s in form, Leão could be an X-factor capable of pushing Portugal over the top this summer.

(Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images)

Age: 28
National team appearances: 82
Club team: Crystal Palace (England)

Sarr played all 38 games in the Premier League for Crystal Palace last season, during which the South London club also won the FA Cup. Sarr has made 83 appearances for Senegal and will be one of the go-to guys for his country this summer, alongside teammate Sadio Mané.

Photo by Andrew Katsampes/ISI Photos via Getty Images)

Age: 30
National team appearances: 38
Club team: AC Milan (Italy)

Hugo Lloris retired from international play after the 2022 World Cup, and Maignan stepped in and hasn’t given the job up. Maignan is one of the best shot-stopping goalkeepers in the world and is firmly entrenched as AC Milan’s starter. He will be one of the best last lines of defense for a French squad that will be one of the most talented in World Cup history.

(Photo by Roger Wimmer/ISI Photos via Getty Images)

Age: 24
National team appearances: 8
Club team: Chelsea (England)

Brazil has been looking for a definitive No. 9 in its lineup for years, and Pedro might be the answer. After two impressive seasons at Brighton, he has 14 Premier League goals for Chelsea this season. He’ll likely be the focal point of Brazil’s attack this summer, which puts a lot on his shoulders for the perennial contender.

"He’s a guy that’s very dynamic on the ball," Holden said. "He can run in behind, he likes to drop underneath and hold the ball up. You have someone that needs to say, ‘I’m going to be that guy that scores goals for Brazil,’ and I think João Pedro has the ability to do that."

(Photo by Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images)

Age: 25
National team appearances: 31
Club team: Arsenal (England)

Since beginning his Arsenal career in 2022, Saliba has become one of the best defenders in the world. He’s an impressive athlete who was part of the French team that made it to the 2022 World Cup final. He’ll be one of the first names on the team sheet for Les Bleus this summer.

"They call him the Rolls-Royce, Mr. William Saliba," Edu said. "The guy does ooze class. He plays with a certain level of composure as a center back. He wins his one-on-one duels. He’s very strong, competitive and physical."

(Photo by Richard Callis/Sports Press Photo/Getty Images)

Age: 31
National team appearances: 104
Club team: Paris Saint-Germain (France)

At 31 years old, Marquinhos has already played 104 times for his country. He has been widely considered one of the best defenders in the world for the past decade, having played more than 500 games for PSG since arriving in 2013. The 31-year-old is still playing at a high level and will be wearing the captain’s armband for Brazil this summer.

"Marquinhos is going to have to be big with the injury to Militão," Lalas said.

(Photo by Diego Souto/Getty Images)

Age: 19
National team appearances: 11
Club team: Barcelona (Spain)

Cubarsí turned 19 in January and has already played 125 times for Barcelona. He’s less established for Spain, having only made 11 appearances for the national team. There is a lot of competition for spots in the Spanish defense, and it would not surprise anyone if Cubarsí was in the lineup for the team’s World Cup opener against Cape Verde on June 15.

(Photo by Heuler Andrey/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)

Age: 33
National team appearances: 76
Club team: Liverpool (England)

Part of what makes Alisson one of the best goalkeepers in the world is his ability with his feet. He may be the best passer at his position in world soccer. His problem in past years has been staying on the pitch, as he’s missed at least 10 Premier League games in each of the last three seasons. When he’s between the posts, though, he’s still one of the world’s best for both club and country. 

(Photo by Stephen Nadler/ISI Photos via Getty Images)

Age: 26
National team appearances: 27
Club team: Liverpool (England)

Konaté ranks just higher than Saliba, who he’ll likely partner in the middle of the French defense this summer. He’s one of the most physically imposing defenders in the world at 6-foot-4, and he also has the pace to stay with any attacker in the tournament.

(Photo by Stefan Ivanovic/Pixsell/MB Media/Getty Images)

Age: 24
National team appearances: 46
Club team: Manchester City (England)

Gvardiol is the most expensive defender in soccer history, having cost Manchester City $105 million back in 2023. He has been injured for much of this season, but he’s one of the best passing defenders in the world. While Luka Modrić runs the Croatian midfield, Gvardiol will command the defense.

(Photo by Stefan Koops/EYE4IMAGES/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Age: 26
National team appearances: 48
Club team: Liverpool (England)

Gakpo will be the key player in the Netherlands’ attack this summer, especially with news that his Oranje teammate Xavi Simons tore his ACL late in the season for Tottenham. Gakpo has emerged as a key playmaker for Liverpool and can play anywhere in attack. He’ll need to be at his best wherever he plays if the Dutch are going to contend this summer.

"When he gets to the World Cup and big tournaments, he starts to get hot and score goals," Holden said. "He broke onto the scene at the 2022 World Cup. He’s got a lot of ability running at players, and it gets a little frantic, but he’s streaky. He can score goals. Tons of talent."

(Photo by Diego Souto/Getty Images)

Age: 22
National team appearances: 7
Club team: Barcelona (Spain)

López is the perfect example of the impressive depth that Spain has in midfield. He has made more than 120 appearances for Barcelona over the past three seasons, but he might not come close to cracking the starting lineup. López is more than capable of scoring and creating goals and will be a key player for Spain this summer, regardless of whether he starts games.

(Photo by Abdel Majid BZIOUAT / AFP) (Photo by ABDEL MAJID BZIOUAT/AFP via Getty Images)

Age: 33
National team appearances: 113
Club team: Liverpool (England)

Salah is lower on this list than he would have a couple of years ago. He is no longer in the conversation as one of the best players in the world, but he’ll still be the go-to guy for Egypt this summer.

Salah’s post-World Cup future is up in the air, as he will be leaving Liverpool, but he’s Egypt’s main hope to make any noise this summer.

"For a guy that’s done so much in his career, this is a massive opportunity," Edu said. "When you talk about legacy and what you want to leave behind at club and national team level, for Mo Salah, if you can guide your team into the knockout round of the World Cup, it just adds to the legend.

"I love the chance that he has at this World Cup to really cement who he is both at club and national team level."

(Photo by Stefan Koops/EYE4IMAGES/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Age: 23
National team appearances: 25
Club team: Liverpool (England)

Gravenberch moved to Liverpool in 2023 after an uneventful season at Bayern Munich, and he has established himself as an elite defensive midfielder. He was a key player last season when Liverpool won the Premier League and has remained a fixture in the Reds’ midfield.

(Photo by Alan Harvey/SNS Group via Getty Images)

Age: 29
National team appearances: 69
Club team: Napoli (Italy)

McTominay went from Manchester United outcast to Napoli legend in his first season in Italy. He was the Serie A Player of the Season with Napoli winning the league in 2025. McTominay has also scored big goals for his country and will be Scotland’s key man in the middle this summer. If the Scots score a big goal or get a big result, chances are McTominay will be a big reason why.

"The amount of respect he has gotten in Serie A, and again this year with Napoli — he’s physically so tall, so fast, strong and powerful," Holden said. "He can score goals, he can assist. He’s a top-30 player in the world right now, Scott McTominay, for sure. Not even a question."

(Photo by Marcel van Dorst/EYE4IMAGES/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Age: 24
National team appearances: 34
Club team: Paris Saint-Germain (France)

Pacho broke out last season for PSG, cementing his spot in the middle of the French champions’ defense. From there, he starred en route to Champions League glory. He’ll partner Arsenal’s Piero Hincapíe in the middle of Ecuador’s back four, which on paper might be one of the stronger units in the field.

"Ecuador is my dark horse, and they’re going to make a run in this tournament built off being strong defensively," Edu said. "William Pacho being at center back plays a massive role in that equation."

(Photo by Adam Escada/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)

Age: 27
National team appearances: 67
Club team: Arsenal (England)

Two years ago, Ødegaard was considered one of the top play-making midfielders in the world. His last two seasons at Arsenal have been ravaged by injuries, though, so he hasn’t been able to regain that form. He’ll be the key playmaker for Norway this summer with the goal of feeding strikers Erling Haaland and Alexander Sørloth.

"He’s had so many injuries this season at club level," Edu said. "At his best, this guy is a top-10 chance-maker in the world — his creativity, his weight of the final pass, his vision to see the final pass.

"But as of late, it’s kind of been stop-start. It’s going to be him and Erling Haaland that really steer this ship and determine the fortunes for how far Norway can go."

(Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)

Age: 25
National team appearances: 40
Club team: Chelsea (England)

Fernández broke out during Argentina’s run to World Cup glory in 2022 and made a move to Chelsea one month after lifting the trophy. He’s an all-action midfielder who can cover every blade of grass and is capable of popping up with a big goal when necessary. He’ll be the key man in Argentina’s midfield this summer.

(Photo by Ahmad Mora - UEFA via Getty Images)

Age: 23
National team appearances: 30
Club team: Athletic Club Bilbao (Spain)

Williams was a star during Spain’s run two years ago at the Euros, but he hasn’t ascended at the club level since then. He has limitless potential and will be a key attacking option for Spain this summer. Whether he’s a starter or is doing so off the bench remains to be seen.

"In the Euros, he was unplayable," Holden said. "Nobody could stop him."

(Photo by Levan Verdzeuli/Getty Images)

Age: 27
National team appearances: 25
Club team: Arsenal (England)

When Rodri got hurt in the first half of the Euro 2024 final against England, Zubimendi stepped in at halftime and helped lead Spain to victory.

"When I see him for Spain, I see a freer version of Zubimendi, and I think that’s where he is a little bit better because he can get around the field a little bit more," Holden said. "He can read the spaces, and there are different types of combinations and a little bit more free-flowing attacking play. I think we see a better version of him with Spain than we do at Arsenal."

If healthy, Rodri is likely to start over Zubimendi, but the Arsenal midfielder provides plenty of stability off the bench when necessary.

"This summer, based on the health, the fitness and the form of Rodri, he will have a significant role to play for Spain," Edu said. "I still look at Zubimendi — he’s a top player. Quality on the ball, quality in the way that he sees the game. He’s just got to get back to being at his very best."

(Photo by PATRICK MEINHARDT/AFP via Getty Images)

Age: 34
National team appearances: 124
Club team: Al-Nassr (Saudi Arabia) 

Mané just turned 34, so his best days might be behind him, but he could definitely still be an impact player this summer. He is Senegal’s all-time leading goalscorer, and he’s five appearances behind teammate Idrissa Gueye’s 131 for the most in the history of the national team.

"He’s going to be so important for Senegal," Holden said. "In his day, this guy was a phenomenal player — 120 goals from 2016 to 2022 for Liverpool."

2026 FIFA World Cup Top 100 Players: Nos. 50-26

(Photo by David Ramirez/Soccrates/Getty Images)

Age: 27
National team appearances: 23
Club team: Chelsea (England)

While players have come and gone at Chelsea over the past few years, Cucurella has been one constant presence. He’ll enter the World Cup having played more than 100 games over the past two seasons for the Blues, all since starting for Spain en route to the Euro 2024 crown two years ago.

"He’s a shutdown defender," Holden said. "Look, he’s played against some of the best in the world, and I’ve seen him play one-on-one. He’s smart. He’s tough. He’s a hard-nosed defender at the end of the day. He’s a guy I want on my team."

(Photo by Rene Nijhuis/MB Media/Getty Images)

Age: 29
National team appearances: 64
Club team: Barcelona (Spain)

Any manager would love to have a player like de Jong in midfield. The Barcelona man controls play and is one of the best defensive midfielders in the world. The combination of de Jong and Liverpool’s Ryan Gravenberch will be one of the best midfield duos in the tournament.

(Photo by Marcelo Endelli/Getty Images)

Age: 33
National team appearances: 59
Club team: Aston Villa (England)

Martínez burst onto the scene in 2020 for Arsenal, and his ascension has seemingly never stopped. He quickly became Argentina’s starting goalkeeper, and then he was the hero in the 2022 World Cup final in the penalty shootout. Martínez is among the best goalkeepers in the world and brings an attitude to the game that has the spotlight constantly on him.

(Photo by Marc Atkins/Getty Images)

Age: 28
National team appearances: 41
Club team: Newcastle (England)

Guimarães will be a big presence in midfield for Brazil. He’s capable of covering every blade of grass and has the kind of attitude that wins games.

(Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)

Age: 29
National team appearances: 74
Club team: Manchester City (England)

Dias was the 2021 Premier League Player of the Season for Manchester City in his first year at the club. He is one of the most decorated defenders in the world. All that’s missing for the physical center back is success at the international level with Portugal. This summer will be a great chance for him to achieve that.

(Photo by Pieter van der Woude/Marcel ter Bals/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)

Age: 27
National team appearances: 30
Club team: Manchester City (England)

While de Jong and Gravenberch do the dirty work in the Dutch midfield, Reijnders will be pulling the strings. The Dutchman thrived at AC Milan before moving to Manchester City ahead of this past season. While he hasn’t maintained a consistent starting spot, he’s the kind of midfielder who can control the tempo of a game.

(Photo by James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)

Age: 34
National team appearances: 107
Club team: Real Madrid (Spain)

Over the past decade, he has been the best goalkeeper in the world. At 6-foot-7, it’s very difficult to beat Courtois, who has put in match-winning performances on the biggest stages at Real Madrid. His performance at the 2022 Champions League Final in Real’s 1-0 win over Liverpool was the stuff of legend. Belgium has a big leg up with Courtois between the posts.

(Photo by Antonio Borga/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)

Age: 35
National team appearances: 67
Club team: Fenerbahçe (Türkiye)

Kanté may not be the flashiest name on the French team sheet, but he is arguably its most indispensable asset. Now 35 and playing in Turkey, the veteran has defied age to prove he is still one of the best defensive midfielders in Europe. As a key architect of France's 2018 World Cup glory, the tireless midfielder has built a career on disrupting world-class attacks with a smile on his face.

(Photo by Marvin Ibo Guengoer - GES Sportfoto/Getty Images)

Age: 33
National team appearances: 82
Club team: Real Madrid (Spain)

Rüdiger moved to Real Madrid in 2022 and quickly established himself as one of the best center backs in the world. He’s on the back nine of his career at 33 years old, but he would start for every country in this tournament. At 6-foot-3, Rüdiger brings an impressive combination of size and athleticism to the table that is rarely matched.

(Photo by Franco Arland/Getty Images)

Age: 22
National team appearances: 5
Club team: Manchester City (England)

Cherki is finishing up his first season at Manchester City and has found his form since the calendar turned to 2026. He is a dynamic dribbler who’s very difficult to get the ball away from, and he’s scored some massive goals late in the season to show off his end product.

"He’s silky smooth — like butter," Holden said. "This guy is different. He has an aura. He has class. He’s skillful. He’s not afraid to take players on, and I think he’s becoming a poster boy for this over-coaching generation: Just let a guy like him be him. Let him enjoy the game. He makes me enjoy the game by watching him, and if anything, I think he should be higher than No. 41."

Cherki faces an uphill battle to start in a supremely talented France squad, but his late-season form might make manager Didier Deschamps’ decision easy.

"I think everyone agrees he has the potential to be one of the greats," Lalas said.

(Photo By Seb Daly/Sportsfile via Getty Images)

Age: 41
National team appearances: 226
Club team: Al-Nassr (Saudi Arabia)

This may seem low for Ronaldo, but it’s impressive for the 41-year-old goalscoring extraordinaire to still be competing at this level.

"We have underestimated just how much quality this guy still has at his age," Holden said. "We look at the number, but age is only a number. I know he’s been playing in Saudi Arabia, and we talk about his level dropping, but the reality is that in the Nations League and in qualifying, Ronaldo was scoring goals left and right."

He’s closing in on 1,000 goals for his career and has the chance this summer to add the one piece of silverware his incredible resume is missing: the World Cup.

"You need a winner," Edu said. "You need a guy with this level of experience, a guy who has scored in five consecutive World Cups. No. 40? There, I said it: Cristiano should be higher. Even at this precious, delicate age of 41 years young, Cristiano Ronaldo is still a winner. He has a winner’s mentality."

(Photo by Gabriel Calvino Alonso/BSR Agency/Getty Images)

Age: 23
National team appearances: 41
Club team: Manchester City (England)

Doku is a defender’s nightmare when he is on his game. The Belgian winger might be the best dribbler in the World Cup. He’s smooth on the ball and has impressive pace and quickness that will wreak havoc in the opposition’s 18-yard box. With midfielder Kevin De Bruyne and striker Romelu Lukaku getting up there in years, Doku looks like the future of the Belgium team.

(Photo by Maciej Rogowski/Eurasia Sport Images/Getty Images)

Age: 20
National team appearances: 6
Club team: Paris Saint-Germain (France)

Doué will turn 21 during the World Cup and is already one of the best wingers in the world. He scored in last year's Champions League Final, which PSG won, and quickly has become a major contender for minutes in France’s stacked attack. Kylian Mbappé, Ousmane Dembélé and Michael Olise all seemingly have spots filled. Doué and Cherki will be the key contenders to start alongside that trio.

(Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)

Age: 34
National team appearances: 117
Club team: Napoli (Italy)

While De Bruyne is getting older, class is permanent. At 34 years old, he is still one of the best playmakers in world soccer. The key for him is to make sure he stays healthy so he can add to his 117 national-team appearances and 36 goals. If Belgium has success this summer, it will go through its midfield maestro.

(Photo by Stefan Koops/EYE4IMAGES/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Age: 30
National team appearances: 71
Club team: Inter Milan (Italy)

Dumfries has established himself as one of the best attacking fullbacks in the world over the past few years. The right back is a constant goal threat and will be a focal point for opposition looking to slow down the Dutch this summer. Look for him to play a key role on both ends of the pitch for the Netherlands.

(Photo by Mauricio Salas/Jam Media/Getty Images)

Age: 23
National team appearances: 43
Club team: Paris Saint-Germain (France)

Mendes is the No. 2 left back on this list and No. 3 fullback. He joined PSG in 2021 and quickly established himself as an elite player at his position. Mendes is one of the fastest fullbacks in the world, and he’s also an extremely capable defender. With João Cancelo at right back and Mendes on the left, Portugal have one of the best fullback pairs in the tournament.

(Photo by Roger Wimmer/ISI Photos/ISI Photos via Getty Images)

Age: 40
National team appearances: 196
Club team: AC Milan (Italy)

This feels like it will be Modrić’s final major tournament for Croatia, but it feels unwise to count out the 40-year-old. After 13 years at Real Madrid, he moved to AC Milan before this past season and has not lost a step. Few players possess the control that Modrić has, and he can still boss a game as well as any midfielder in the world. Modrić’s 196 international appearances for Croatia rank third among players likely to play this summer, behind only Cristiano Ronaldo (226) and Lionel Messi (198).

"I love watching Luka Modrić play," Holden said. "He’s the ultimate conductor in the middle of the field. His technical ability, his engine — he can just run for days upon days.

(Photo by Visionhaus/Getty Images)

Age: 24
National team appearances: 14
Club team: Chelsea (England)

Palmer joined Chelsea in 2023, and he will enter the World Cup in maybe his worst form since that move. The England midfielder scored 37 Premier League goals in his first two seasons with the Blues, but injuries have halted his progression this year. Still, we know what he is capable of, as evidenced by his goal in the Euro 2024 final against Spain. Whether Palmer starts for England remains to be seen, but the left-footed playmaker is likely to play a key role for the Three Lions.

(Photo by Jürgen Fromme - firo sportphoto/Getty Images)

Age: 23
National team appearances: 40
Club team: Bayern Munich (Germany)

The 23-year-old suffered a fractured fibula during last summer’s FIFA Club World Cup and missed the rest of 2025. Since then, he has slowly returned to the form that makes him one of the world’s best playmakers. An elite dribbler, Musiala will be at the core of the German attack this summer. If he is playing well, expect Germany to become a contender for the title.

"He, to me, is must-see TV," Edu said. "He’s elite in terms of the way he just glides around the pitch. He’s not your overly flashy kind of player, but for Germany, since his introduction back in 2021 or so, the guy has matured year after year after year."

(Photo by Jose Manuel Alvarez Rey/Getty Images)

Age: 31
National team appearances: 107
Club team: Manchester City (England)

Silva is finishing his final season at Manchester City after nine years at the club that have seen him win everything. He has six Premier League winners medals to go with two FA Cup and five EFL Cup victories, as well as the 2023 Champions League. He’s as dependable a player as they come in midfield and, along with Bruno Fernandes, will orchestrate the Portuguese attack this summer to help complement Ronaldo.

(Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)

Age: 25
National team appearances: 58
Club team: Bayern Munich (Germany)

Davies moved to Canada when he was 5 years old and became the face of Canadian soccer about 12 years later. He started his career in MLS with the Vancouver Whitecaps before moving to Bayern Munich in 2018. From there, he became the best attacking left back in the world with his impressive pace and physicality. For Canada, Davies plays a more attacking role. He will have to play well if the host nation is going to succeed this summer.

"Make no mistake about it: Alphonso Davies is by far the most important player for Canada," Edu said. "Where he ends up playing positionally — whether it’s at left back or higher up the pitch in the attacking phase — is yet to be determined, and Jesse Marsch has the flexibility to play with that and tinker with it.

"But at his best, Alphonso Davies is elite. He’s a quality player. He brings a different dynamic with his pace and, more than anything, his experience playing at such a high level on a consistent basis and playing a large role within a Bayern team."

(Photo by Marcel Engelbrecht - firo sportphoto/Getty Images)

Age: 31
National team appearances: 108
Club team: Bayern Munich (Germany)

Kimmich is approaching 500 career appearances for Bayern Munich and has already played 108 times for Germany. The 31-year-old is a born leader and will patrol the midfield this summer for the Germans. He doesn’t seem to ever stop running and can play all over the pitch. Teams that win big tournaments like the World Cup need versatile and driven players like Kimmich in their team.

(Photo by Marcel ter Bals/DeFodi Images/DeFodi via Getty Images)

Age: 34
National team appearances: 90
Club team: Liverpool (England)

The No. 2-ranked center back on this list has been the standard at the position since moving to Liverpool in 2018. At 6-foot-5, van Dijk has impressive pace to accompany his size, which means few attackers are able to dribble past him. He has won the Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League with Liverpool, but there’s no international glory to go along with that. The 34-year-old Dutch captain will be the driving force of his team’s defense this summer.

(Photo by Joe Prior/Visionhaus via Getty Images)

Age: 24
National team appearances: 48
Club team: Arsenal (England)

Saka broke into the England team in 2021 and immediately made the right wing his position. The 24-year-old has 14 goals — three of which came at the 2022 World Cup — in 48 appearances for England and is a key player in the Three Lions’ attack. The fourth-highest ranked English player on this list, England will rely heavily on the left-footed Saka to create chances for goalscorer extraordinaire Harry Kane.

"He is a player who has to show up for England," Edu said. "England will tell you every single World Cup that it’s coming home. If they truly believe that, Bukayo Saka is one of those players who has to be at his very best and sharpest to give them a chance."

(Photo by Juan Manuel Baez/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Age: 28
National team appearances: 75
Club team: Inter Milan (Italy)

Martínez has scored more than 200 goals between Inter Milan and the national team since moving to Italy in 2018. He has firmly established himself as one of the best and most consistent strikers in the world, having scored at least 20 goals in each of the last five seasons. Whether Martínez starts for Argentina remains to be seen, with Julián Álvarez also thriving alongside Lionel Messi.

We will continue to unveil FOX Sports' FIFA World Cup Rank Top 100 Players each week. Up next are Nos. 25-11 on May 25.

2026 FIFA World Cup: How To Watch

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will run from June 11–July 19, 2026. Spread across three countries, the tournament will culminate with the final on July 19 at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. All 104 tournament matches will air live across FOX (70) and FS1 (34) with every match streaming live and on-demand within both the FOX One and the FOX Sports app. A record 40 matches, more than one-third of the tournament, will air in prime time across FOX (21) and FS1 (19).

The opening match on June 11 between Mexico and South Africa (3 p.m. ET) will stream for free on Tubi, as well as the USA's opening match against Paraguay on June 12 (9 p.m. ET). 

Watch FIFA World Cup 2026: Stream all 104 games on FOX One. Start your free trial today.