10 Players Who Are Expected To Leave Their Mark At The World Cup

BusinessSportsMoney10 Players Who Are Expected To Leave Their Mark At The World CupByMichael Lewis,Contributor.Forbes contributors publish independent expert analyses and insights. U.S. men's national team and soccerFollow AuthorJun 03, 2026, 07:10pm EDTMOSCOW, RUSSIA - JULY 15: Kylian Mbappe of France celebrates with the World Cup Trophy following his sides victory in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Final between France and Croatia at Luzhniki Stadium on July 15, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. (Photo by Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)Getty ImagesFor 38 days from June 11 to July 19, many of the world's greatest soccer players will entertain and dazzle the crowds in 16 venues across the United States, Mexico and Canada.Several are familiar names; others might be rising stars and even a few legends who are preparing for their last dance at the FIFA World Cup.Here is a countdown of 10 players who are expected to make a splash this summer.LUSAIL CITY, QATAR - DECEMBER 18: Kylian Mbappe of France celebrates after scoring the team's third goal and their hat trick from the penalty spot during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France at Lusail Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Lusail City, Qatar. (Photo by Catherine Ivill/Getty Images)Getty Images1. Kylian Mbappe, FranceA generational player, Mbappe made his World Cup debut at the age of 19 in 2018, helping the French to the world championship and earning young player of the tournament honors. He followed that up as the Golden Boot winner as the leading goal scorer, including a hat-trick in the 2022 World Cup final (which the French lost to Argentina in penalty kicks). His pace, dribbling and finishing ability are off the charts. At 27, the 5-foot-10 striker is in his prime. Mbappe also has been lethal for his club, recording 25 goals and five assists in 31 La Liga appearances for Real Madrid this past season. Here is an imposing stat: Mbappe has scored at least 25 league goals for his respective t...