5 Major International Soccer Stars You Need to Know Ahead of the World Cup

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Teams from 48 nations are preparing to square off in the biggest World Cup on record.

The competition is taking place across North America, with games set for Los Angeles, Mexico City, Houston, Texas, and other major venues. Some of the biggest names in sports will take to the fields, with only one coming out on top.

So who’s who in the soccer world? Below are five international stars you need to know ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Kylian Mbappé — France​

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Kylian Mbappé, the forward for La Liga club Real Madrid, is the captain of the France national team. Competing in his third World Cup, The 27-year-old superstar is hoping to reclaim his championship after winning in 2018 but falling short to Argentina in 2022.

France’s first game is scheduled for Tuesday, June 16, against Senegal at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey.

Lionel Messi — Argentina​

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Lionel Messi and the Argentinian national team overtook Mbappé in 2022 and are hoping to defend their title in 2026. The 38-year-old forward for Miami’s MLS team, Inter Miami, is competing in his 6th World Cup and is widely regarded as one of the greatest soccer players of all time.

Argentina is scheduled to take on Algeria on Tuesday, June 16 in Kansas City Stadium — also known as Arrowhead Stadium, home of the NFL’s Kansas City Chiefs — in Missouri.

Cristiano Ronaldo — Portugal​

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Cristiano Ronaldo has crossed over into mainstream celebrity status over the years and has long held the title of most-followed Instagram user.

The Portuguese soccer star, who is heading into his seventh World Cup appearance, is still searching for his first win with team Portugal. The 41-year-old forward serves as the captain of both the Saudi Pro League club Al-Nassr and the Portugal national team.

Ronaldo and the Portuguese team will take on DR Congo at NRG Stadium in Houston, Texas, on Wednesday, June 17.

Lamine Yamal — Spain​

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Lamine Yamal, the 18-year-old Spanish phenom is expected to make quite the splash during his first World Cup appearance. Despite his age, the right winger, who plays for La Liga club Barcelona, is already in the conversation as one of the greatest soccer stars of all time.

Spain’s first game is scheduled for Monday, June 15, against Cape Verde at Atlanta Stadium.

Harry Kane — England​

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Harry Kane will serve as captain of the England national team during his third World Cup appearance. At 32, the British striker stands as England’s all-time top goalscorer. Currently playing for Bundesliga club Bayern Munich, Kane is widely regarded as one of the best strikers of his generation, having scored more than 500 goals in his career.

England will take on Croatia in its first game on Wednesday, June 17 at Dallas Stadium in Arlington, Texas.

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