World Cup 2026 International Players Guide: Messi, Ronaldo, Yamal & More

Still, there are plenty others whose dream is to hoist the World Cup trophy. Take Lamine Yamal, who is making his World Cup debut with Team Spain.

“Since childhood, I have dreamed of attending the World Cup, seeing my mother in the stands and representing the national team,” the 18-year-old shared during the Laureus World Sports Awards on April 20, where he was honored as the Young Sportsperson of the Year. “These next few months will seem very short, and I clearly hope that we will be the champions.”

Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappé of France considers chasing FIFA’s top honor his “obsession.”

“A World Cup is a World Cup,” he said during at press conference at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where his team was ultimately defeated by Argentina. “It’s the competition of my dreams.”

For more international players you should keep an eye out for at this year’s tournament, keep reading…