CNN Sports picks its players to watch at this year’s World Cup
CNN Sports Highlights Key Players to Watch at the 2026 World Cup
CNN Sports picks its players to watch - As the 2026 World Cup approaches, CNN Sports picks its players to watch has sparked widespread interest among fans and analysts alike. With 48 nations competing in a global tournament that will be hosted across North America, the stage is set for a new era of competition. This year’s edition promises to showcase a diverse array of talent, with players from underdog teams and established powerhouses vying for recognition. While past World Cups have been defined by individual brilliance, the 2026 tournament is expected to highlight a broader spectrum of skill, strategy, and emerging stars. CNN Sports picks its players to watch is not just about identifying the most popular names but also uncovering the hidden gems who could redefine the game.
Ben Church – International Sports Writer
Ben Church, a CNN Sports writer, has emphasized Erling Haaland as the standout player in the tournament. The 25-year-old striker, who has already claimed the Premier League’s Golden Boot three times in four years, is set to make his World Cup debut. Church believes Haaland’s ability to consistently score goals—whether in high-pressure matches or against stronger opposition—will be critical to Norway’s chances of advancing further. While his team may face steep challenges, Haaland’s physicality and clinical finishing make him a formidable force. His presence in the squad adds an exciting layer to the tournament, as he continues to build his reputation on the world stage.
"Even if he doesn’t play well, he’ll usually leave the pitch having scored at least once," Church notes. "His personality, combined with his talent, makes him a rare breed. You can’t help but wonder how he’ll perform under the World Cup lights."
Patrick Sung – International Sports Editor
Patrick Sung, a CNN Sports editor, has pointed to Vinícius Jr. as a key player for Brazil’s revival in the 2026 World Cup. The Real Madrid forward has been a consistent performer, netting 24 goals and providing 17 assists across competitions this season. Sung believes that having Carlo Ancelotti as Brazil’s coach—a mentor he has worked with in Madrid—could unlock Vini’s potential. While the Seleção may not be the favorite to win, Vini’s creativity and dribbling ability position him as a contender for the Golden Ball. His role in Brazil’s attack will be pivotal, and his performance could determine how far the team progresses.
"Having Carlo Ancelotti as Brazil’s coach, someone he worked closely with in Madrid, could give Vini the edge he needs to thrive in North America," Sung says. "Though I’m not betting on Brazil’s title, I’m convinced he’ll be a contender for the Golden Ball."
Emile Nuh – CNN Sports Intern
Emile Nuh, a CNN Sports intern, has identified Kylian Mbappé as the obvious choice for the 2026 World Cup. The French forward, already a World Cup champion with his national team, is expected to dominate the tournament with his combination of speed, precision, and goal-scoring ability. Mbappé’s leadership on the field and his ability to elevate his team’s performance make him a central figure in the competition. Nuh also highlights Lamine Yamal, the young Spanish sensation, as a player who could redefine the game. Yamal’s potential to impact matches with his agility and vision adds an intriguing dynamic to Spain’s squad.
Emerging Stars and Underdog Contenders
While the 2026 World Cup will feature established stars, it will also spotlight emerging talents who could disrupt traditional power structures. Players like Jude Bellingham, the 21-year-old England midfielder, are poised to make waves with their all-around abilities. Bellingham’s distribution, passing, and pressing skills have already drawn comparisons to elite midfielders like Jude Bellingham, making him a key player in the tournament. Additionally, rising stars from underrepresented regions, such as the debutantes from Central American teams, may challenge the dominance of European and South American giants. CNN Sports picks its players to watch includes these athletes, who could become household names by the end of the season.
Another player on CNN Sports picks its players to watch is Argentina’s Lionel Messi, who will be entering his final World Cup. Despite his age, Messi’s playmaking and goal-scoring ability remain unmatched, and his ability to inspire his team will be crucial. The tournament may also see a resurgence of the African contingent, with players like Cameroon’s Vincent Aboubakar and Nigeria’s Alex Iwobi gaining traction. These athletes, while not household names yet, represent the growing influence of the continent in global soccer. Their inclusion in CNN Sports picks its players to watch underscores the tournament’s diversity and the potential for unexpected stories.
Andrew Patel – CNN Sports Analyst
Andrew Patel, a CNN Sports analyst, has highlighted the importance of goalkeepers in the 2026 World Cup. With the increase in high-scoring matches and defensive errors, a reliable goalkeeper could be the difference between advancing and elimination. Patel names Spain’s Unai Simón as a key player to watch, citing his composure under pressure and his ability to organize the backline. The French team, meanwhile, may rely on Hugo Lloris for his experience and leadership. These goalkeepers are not only vital to their teams’ success but also represent the depth of talent in CNN Sports picks its players to watch.
"Goalkeepers are often overlooked, but in this World Cup, they’ll be central to the story," Patel explains. "A single error can change the momentum of a match, and a great save can turn the tide. Spain’s Unai Simón and France’s Hugo Lloris are two names that will be on the radar of CNN Sports picks its players to watch."
In conclusion, the 2026 World Cup will be a showcase of global soccer’s best and brightest, as CNN Sports picks its players to watch. From Haaland’s debut to Vini’s potential, and Mbappé’s continued dominance, the tournament promises to deliver thrilling moments. The inclusion of emerging stars and underdog players adds layers to the competition, ensuring that every match is a story waiting to be told. As the world turns its attention to the United States, Canada, and Mexico, CNN Sports picks its players to watch will guide fans through the most compelling narratives of the year. Whether it’s a veteran legend or a fresh-faced prodigy, the 2026 World Cup is set to be a landmark event in soccer history.