The FIFA World Cup has always been more than just a tournament; it is a four-year cycle of hope, a theater of high drama, and, most importantly, the forge where mere mortals are hammered into sporting gods. As we approach the 2026 FIFA World Cup—a historic gargantuan event spanning the United States, Canada, and Mexico—the narrative is shifting. The old guard is thinning. Recent retirements of international icons like Antoine Griezmann, Thomas Müller, Angel Di Maria, and Manuel Neuer have left a vacuum in the soul of the competition.
However, the stage is far from empty. A select group of titans remains, players whose names are already etched in gold on the trophy’s base or across the record books.
This article ranks the top 10 players who have already left a major mark on the World Cup and are still active in international football, making them realistic candidates to appear in 2026. The ranking is based strictly on World Cup impact: performances, decisive moments, legacy, and historical significance — not club careers.
10. Robert Lewandowski (Poland)
Despite early rumors of retirement, the Polish captain remains the ultimate “Number 9” heading into 2026. After finally breaking his World Cup scoring duck in 2022, the Barcelona striker is determined to cement his legacy on the global stage. As Poland’s all-time leading scorer, his elite positioning and physical longevity make him a constant threat. For “Lewy,” 2026 is the final opportunity to translate his club-level dominance into a historic knockout run for his nation.
- Number of World Cup played : 2
- Games : 7
- Goals : 2
- Best Result : Round of 16 (2022)
9. Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium)
With Eden Hazard and others gone, Kevin De Bruyne stands as the final sentinel of Belgium’s “Golden Generation.” While the 2022 tournament was a disappointment for the Red Devils, De Bruyne’s body of work over the last decade remains staggering.
His ability to see passing lanes that don’t exist and his thunderous long-range shooting make him a constant threat. 2026 represents a different challenge for De Bruyne: leading a younger, transitionary Belgian side. It is a role that requires more than just talent; it requires the legendary composure he has shown on the world stage since 2014.
- Number of World Cup played : 3
- Games : 13
- Goals : 2
- Best Result : 3rd place (2018)
8. James Rodríguez (Colombia)
Few players have a “signature” World Cup quite like James Rodríguez in 2014. His volley against Uruguay remains one of the most iconic images in tournament history. After a period in the international wilderness, James has undergone a stunning career renaissance.
As the heartbeat of a resurgent Colombia, James proved during recent continental competitions that his vision and set-piece delivery are still world-class. He represents the “Number 10” archetype that is slowly disappearing from the game. In the North American heat of 2026, James’s ability to conjure goals out of nothing will make Colombia a dark horse and solidify his status as a modern World Cup legend.
- Number of World Cup played : 2
- Games : 8
- Goals : 6
- Best Result : Quarter-final (2014)
7. Emiliano Martínez (Argentina)
Goalkeepers rarely make “legend” lists, but Emiliano Martínez is an exception to every rule. His performance in 2022—specifically the last-second save against Kolo Muani and his heroics in the penalty shootout—is the stuff of nightmares for opponents and folklore for Argentines.
“Dibu” brought a level of psychological warfare to the World Cup that we haven’t seen since the days of Oliver Kahn. He is a winner, a provocateur, and a brick wall. As Argentina looks to defend their title in 2026, Martínez will be the foundation. His legacy as the premier “big game” goalkeeper of his era is already secure; another trophy would make him arguably the greatest tournament keeper in history.
- Number of World Cup played : 1
- Games : 7
- Goals : 0
- Best Result : Winner (2022)
6. Harry Kane (England)
Harry Kane is often undervalued because of England’s lack of silverware, but his World Cup record is impeccable. The 2018 Golden Boot winner is the most prolific striker England has ever produced.
Kane’s game has evolved; he is now as much a playmaker as he is a finisher. In 2026, he will be the veteran leader of a frighteningly talented English squad. For Kane, the tournament is about crossing the threshold from “great scorer” to “trophy winner.” If he leads football “home” in 2026, his legend will be immortalized in the streets of London and beyond.
- Number of World Cup played : 2
- Games : 11
- Goals : 8
- Best Result : 4th place (2018)
5. Neymar Jr. (Brazil)
Neymar’s relationship with the World Cup has been a Shakespearean tragedy: the back injury in 2014, the tactical heartbreak in 2018, and the penalty shootout agony in 2022. Yet, he remains the most talented Brazilian of his generation.
Now the all-time leading scorer for the Seleção, surpassing the legendary Pelé, Neymar enters 2026 with a chip on his shoulder. When fit, he is the most creative force in football, capable of unlocking any defense with a single touch. For Brazil, the “Hexa” (sixth title) has become an obsession, and for Neymar, 2026 is the final chance to transition from a statistical legend to a national hero on par with Ronaldo Nazário or Romário.
- Number of World Cup played : 3
- Games : 13
- Goals : 8
- Best Result : 4th place (2014)
4. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
The “CR7” brand is synonymous with longevity. While his 2022 campaign ended in tears, Ronaldo’s commitment to the 2026 cycle is a testament to his obsession with the sport.
Ronaldo holds a record that may never be broken: scoring in five consecutive World Cups. His presence in 2026 would likely be his sixth, matching Messi. While his role within the Portuguese squad has evolved into more of a veteran leader and penalty-box predator, his gravity on the field remains unmatched. For Ronaldo, 2026 is about the one piece of silverware that has eluded his grasp. A World Cup win in North America would be the ultimate “mic drop” on a career defined by breaking boundaries.
- Number of World Cup played : 5
- Games : 22
- Goals : 8
- Best Result : 4th place (2006)
3. Luka Modrić (Croatía)
Luka Modrić is the man who defied the odds. Leading a nation of less than four million people to a World Cup final (2018) and a third-place finish (2022) is perhaps the greatest pound-for-pound achievement in modern tournament history.
The 2018 Golden Ball winner remains the gold standard for midfield play. Even as he approaches 40, his ability to dictate the tempo of a game and escape high-intensity presses is supernatural. Modrić represents the romantic side of the World Cup—the belief that technique, intelligence, and sheer will can overcome the physical advantages of larger nations. 2026 will be the final opportunity for fans to witness the “Maestro” spin his magic on the world’s biggest stage.
- Number of World Cup played : 4
- Games : 19
- Goals : 2
- Best Result : Runner-up (2018)
2. Kylian Mbappé (France)
Kylian Mbappé is the present and future of the World Cup. At just 27 years old when the 2026 whistle blows, Mbappé’s World Cup resume already reads like a career-best compilation.
With a winner’s medal from 2018 and a historic hat-trick in the 2022 final, he has proven that the bigger the stage, the brighter he shines. Mbappé currently sits on 12 World Cup goals. To put that in perspective, he is only four goals away from the all-time record, a milestone he could theoretically reach before the knockout stages even begin. His blistering pace and clinical finishing are tailor-made for the wide-open spaces of North American stadiums. In 2026, Mbappé isn’t just playing for a trophy; he’s playing to become the greatest World Cup performer of all time.
- Number of World Cup played : 2
- Games : 14
- Goals : 12
- Best Result : Winner (2018)
1. Lionel Messi (Argentina)
There is no debate. Lionel Messi enters 2026 not just as a participant, but as the reigning monarch of football. After the spiritual odyssey that was Qatar 2022, where he finally hoisted the gold, Messi’s legacy is complete—yet he refuses to stop.
With 26 appearances, Messi holds the record for the most World Cup matches played. If he steps onto the field in 2026, he will become the first player in history to feature in six different World Cups. Beyond the statistics, Messi represents the emotional heartbeat of the tournament. At 39 years old, his role may shift from the darting dribbler to the deep-lying visionary, but his left foot remains the most dangerous weapon in the sport. He is chasing Miroslav Klose’s all-time scoring record (16 goals); with 13 currently in his pocket, a deep run by the Albiceleste could see him claim the final record left to break.
- Number of World Cup played : 5
- Games : 26
- Goals : 13
- Best Result : Winner (2022)
