The world's best players — heading into the biggest tournament on Earth.
Alisson Becker
Brazil · Liverpool
The best goalkeeper in the world. Alisson's reflexes and composure under pressure are unmatched.
Mike Maignan
France · AC Milan
France's first-choice keeper. Athletic, dominant in the air, and a commanding presence in his box.
Thibaut Courtois
Belgium · Real Madrid
Real Madrid's wall. Courtois saved the 2022 Champions League final almost single-handedly.
Gianluigi Donnarumma
Italy · PSG
Euro 2020 Player of the Tournament. Italy's colossus between the posts at just 26.
Ederson
Brazil · Man City
The sweeper-keeper who redefined the position. Ederson's feet are as good as any midfielder's.
Virgil van Dijk
Netherlands · Liverpool
The best centre-back of his generation. Van Dijk's reading of the game is simply elite.
Achraf Hakimi
Morocco · PSG
The best right-back on the planet. Hakimi was the engine behind Morocco's 2022 semi-final miracle.
Marquinhos
Brazil · PSG
Brazil's captain and defensive leader. One of the most decorated defenders of his era.
Rúben Dias
Portugal · Man City
One of the world's best centre-backs. Dias is the defensive rock that gives Portugal belief.
Jude Bellingham
England · Real Madrid
England's midfield general. At 21, he is already one of the best players on Earth.
Pedri
Spain · Barcelona
Xavi's heir. The most complete midfielder of his generation: vision, touch, leadership.
Gavi
Intensity personified. Gavi wins every battle, technical or physical, at just 20 years old.
Rodri
Spain · Man City
The 2024 Ballon d'Or winner. The defensive midfielder who controls games from the front.
Lionel Messi
Argentina · Inter Miami
The greatest of all time returns to defend the title he always deserved. One last dance.
Kylian Mbappé
France · Real Madrid
The fastest player on the planet. France's best shot at back-to-back World Cups.
Vinicius Jr
Brazil · Real Madrid
The most dangerous winger in world football. Brazil's hope to end a 24-year title drought.
Erling Haaland
Norway · Man City
A goal machine like no other. Norway's presence at a World Cup is reason enough to watch.
Lamine Yamal
The teenager who announced himself to the world at Euro 2024. Spain's generational talent.
Mohamed Salah
Egypt · Liverpool
The Egyptian King. Arguably the best player in the Premier League for the past decade.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Portugal · Al Nassr
At 41, likely his last World Cup. The GOAT debate rages on. Can he end it with a trophy?
Robert Lewandowski
Poland · Barcelona
Still one of the deadliest strikers in the world. Poland's chance to make history.
Lautaro Martínez
Argentina · Inter Milan
The bull. Argentina's clinical striker who has stepped up every time Messi needed him.
Bukayo Saka
England · Arsenal
Technically gifted, two-footed and relentless. One of the best wingers in world football.
