100 Days to World Cup 2026: Staff Picks Must-Watch Players

The countdown to the 2026 World Cup is officially on, with just 100 days remaining. As excitement builds, football enthusiasts worldwide are looking forward to prominent players who will shape the tournament. Staff at El-Balad have selected multiple must-watch players, reflecting a blend of established stars and emerging talents. Here are the highlights of the players to keep an eye on during this global showcase.

Must-Watch Players for the 2026 World Cup

• Lionel Messi (Inter Miami, Argentina) – The iconic forward remains a fan favorite, continuing to mesmerize after his magical spell in the last tournament.
• Kylian Mbappé (Real Madrid, France) – A standout performer at previous World Cups, he is expected to dazzle once again.
• Erling Haaland (Manchester City, Norway) – Known for his goal-scoring prowess, Haaland’s performance on the world stage is highly anticipated as Norway returns to the tournament.
• Antoine Semenyo (Ghana) – The rising star has developed from a fringe player to one of the Premier League’s best attackers.
• Joao Neves (Paris Saint-Germain, Portugal) – An astute midfielder noted for his aerial skills and ball recovery, Neves is poised to make an impact.
• Alphonso Davies (Bayern Munich, Canada) – His remarkable pace and skill could be pivotal for co-hosts Canada this summer.
• Ibrahim Mbaye (Senegal) – An exciting young talent, securely stepping into the shoes of the nation’s previous stars.
• Emiliano Martínez (Aston Villa, Argentina) – This goalkeeper’s theatrics and play make him a compelling watch as the reigning champions defend their title.
• Son Heung-min (LAFC, South Korea) – After a successful club season, he’ll look to lead his national team with impressive performances.
• Mohamed Salah (Liverpool, Egypt) – A chance to enhance his legacy, Salah aims to shine on the world stage after missing the last edition.

Emerging Stars to Watch

• Denzel Dumfries (Inter, Netherlands) – His explosive playing style and game-changing abilities make him a player to watch.
• Rayan Cherki (Manchester City, France) – Although he may play a limited role, his potential to impact matches creates buzz around his involvement.
• Lamine Yamal (Barcelona, Spain) – At just 19 years old, his talent is already widely recognized, making him a player to follow closely.
• Endrick (Lyon, Brazil) – This young athlete has already shown flashes of brilliance, making him a potential sensation at the tournament.
• Brahim Diaz (Real Madrid, Morocco) – Expect him to showcase his skills after a strong AFCON performance.

Notable Mentions

As the tournament approaches, the excitement around these players grows. With 100 days to go until kickoff, fans can only speculate on what to expect from these talents on football’s biggest stage.