Lionel Messi & More World Cup Stars Everyone Is Talking About

BTS, Shakira and Madonna Set to Headline First-Ever FIFA World Cup Halftime Show

The 2026 FIFA World Cup roster is total goals.

Not only is the U.S. soccer team stacked with fan-favorites at the quadrennial sports tournament—which kicks off June 11 across multiple cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico—but the international lineup is teeming with star power as well.

In fact, several of fútbol's all-time greats will be showing up and showing out this year, including the incomparable Lionel Messi.

The 38-year-old will serve as a defending champion as he represents Argentina for the sixth time at the World Cup. A veteran in the game, Messi is also likely looking his extend his record of most goal contributions in the World Cup, having been credited with 21 involvements so far.

But Cristiano Ronaldo is nipping as his cleated heels. After all, the 41-year-old, who's made 19 goal contributions at the sporting competition, is adamant on scoring Portugal's first-ever win in his sixth World Cup appearance.

"Portugal's never won World Cup," he told Piers Morgan in a 2025 interview. "But they can win. Yes, we're going to fight for that."

However, Ronaldo stressed that taking home the elusive prize will not "define if I'm one of the best of history."

"If you ask me, 'Christian, is it a dream to win the World Cup?' No, it's not a dream," said the athlete, who is dad to five kids with longtime partner Georgina Rodriguez. "To win the World Cup, nothing will change my name in the history of football."

Ronaldo added, "People say, 'Christian will be the greatest if they win the World Cup.' I'm not agree."

Dan Mullan/Getty Images

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...

For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App