World Cup 2026: Potential Breakout Stars Who Could Make Huge Impacts

The World Cup has made stars out of the likes of Tim Howard and James Rodriguez. Who could make a name for himself at the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

Ricardo Pepim, a player of the United States, poses with his jersey during the United States World Cup roster reveal in New York City on May 26, 2026. Adam Hunger/Getty Images

In terms of individual players in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, names such as Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe, and Erling Haaland are the headliners. They’re the ones whose faces are plastered over graphics and whose likenesses are marketed all over the world.

However, there are always lesser-known players who emerge from any World Cup tournament as stars, such as Colombia’s James Rodríguez or Argentina’s Enzo Fernández in recent editions.