Most World Cup watchlists focus on the biggest stars like Harry Kane, Lionel Messi, and Cristiano Ronaldo. Others highlight under-the-radar players from smaller nations.
We’ve taken a slightly different approach. These are 20 players who could shape this summer’s tournament and play a major role in how it all unfolds. The reasons vary, but their performances will be critical for anyone looking to make World Cup predictions.
Ismaël Koné, Canada
All the pre-tournament attention will be on Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David. Ismaël Koné, though, is as important as anyone for Canada with his role as a do-it-all central midfielder.
Koné has already attracted interest from Inter and Juventus. If Canada are to make some noise, they need Koné to contribute in all areas of the pitch. His ball-carrying ability could be key in transition.
Ritsu Dōan, Japan
A difference-maker off the bench at the 2022 World Cup, Ritsu Dōan once again has a major role to play for Japan. His goals against Germany and Spain in Qatar remain fresh in the memory.
Since then, the electric Dōan has posted several strong seasons with Freiburg and earned a move to Eintracht Frankfurt. He can also boast 10 league goal contributions this term.
Nico O’Reilly, England
Nico O’Reilly scored both goals as Manchester City defeated Arsenal in the League Cup final. Though comfortable to start for England at left-back, O’Reilly is equally as comfortable in a deep or attacking midfield role.
Thomas Tuchel will enjoy the versatility O’Reilly provides. He can be an attacking threat from left-back or he can play an inverted role to give England an overload in central areas.
Rayan Cherki, France
France are hardly lacking talent in the final third. Ousmane Dembélé, Kylian Mbappé, and Michael Olise are locks to start, leaving one opening in the front four. Rayan Cherki may not get the nod to start, but he promises to be a key player for Les Bleus.
Cherki has flair, is capable of brilliance, and not scared to torment opponents. For Didier Deschamps, he could be the creative to unlock defenses late in matches.
Brahim Diaz, Morocco
Morocco scored six goals in seven matches at the 2022 World Cup. Their surprise run to the last four was powered by a resolute defense keeping clean sheets against Spain and Portugal.
Imagine how dangerous Morocco could be with more of an attacking outlet. Brahim Díaz, a mazy dribbler and intelligent off-ball mover, could make a considerable difference in the final third.
Donyell Malen, Netherlands
In superb form for Roma, Donyell Malen is in pole position to start for the Netherlands alongside Cody Gakpo and Memphis Depay. He has 11 Serie A goals this season and ranks in the 95th percentile for non-penalty expected goals on target.
The Oranje are missing Xavi Simons, and their attack isn’t as potent as it has been at past tournaments. An in-form Malen provides much-needed firepower alongside Depay.
Ibrahim Mbaye, Senegal
Senegal probably won’t start the teenage Ibrahim Mbaye, but what an asset he is off the bench.
Mbaye brings game-altering pace, stretching defenses with his runs in behind. He ranks in the 95th percentile in ball advancement, and the prospect of a fresh Mbaye is a nightmare for fatigued defenders.
Nico Paz, Argentina
Nico Paz is one of Serie A’s top dribblers. He ranks in the 92nd percentile for passes into the final third and posts impressive progressive numbers.
Yes, Argentina have more experienced options in attacking midfield, but Paz has gone from strength to strength at Como. His creativity gives the defending champions another dimension.
Mikel Oyarzabal, Spain
Mikel Oyarzabal is the most likely third man in Spain’s front line alongside Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams. Oyarzabal has had another strong season, with elite progression and creativity numbers.
Number nine is the one weakness in La Roja’s squad. Oyarzabal isn’t going to become Fernando Torres or Diego Costa, yet he’s a proven goal scorer (14 in La Liga this term) who could have a big summer.
Luis Suárez, Colombia
Colombia’s Luis Suárez has 30 goals across the Primeira Liga and Champions League this term. The 28-year-old has limited experience at the international level, but there’s no doubt he should be leading the line for his country.
It’s not far-fetched to imagine Suárez competing for the Golden Boot. He’ll be a true threat if he carries over his club form.
Scott McTominay, Scotland
Scotland wouldn’t be here without Scott McTominay. The former Manchester United man has been talismanic for his country and has become a hero in Naples.
For all their quality in midfield and defense, Scotland lack top-tier attacking players. McTominay carries a large chunk of their goal threat. They’ll need the Napoli star to deliver this summer if they’re to defy the odds and make a run.
Kenan Yıldız, Turkey
Piercing defenses with his dribbling and incisive passing, Kenan Yıldız is enjoying a stellar season with Juventus. Turkey are in a winnable group and will be looking to Yıldız and Arda Guler as their X-factors.
A creative force with 10 league goals this term, Yıldız is the type of player that could really shine on this stage. Juventus might be fielding some phone calls in July.
Kendry Páez, Ecuador
Kendry Páez will turn 19 in May, yet he’s already made 24 appearances for his country and enters this summer as a key for this squad. Ecuador have experience at the back and a world-class presence in midfield, but lack proven international goal scorers.
On loan at Chelsea from River Plate, Páez has long been regarded as one of the most talented teenagers in world football. Ecuador will need him to provide a spark in attack.
Amad Diallo, Ivory Coast
Manchester United have begun to see the best of Amad Diallo this season. Released from the defensive requirements of playing wing-back, Diallo’s dribbling and pace have been a constant threat down the flanks for the Red Devils.
He’s not the most experienced player on this team, but Diallo might be the most important, as no attacker on this squad is near his level.
Lucas Bergvall, Sweden
The festival of football this summer could offer some welcome respite for Lucas Bergvall after a difficult season with Tottenham. The Swede has been in and out of the XI and hasn’t been particularly productive in his minutes.
Projected to start in a midfield two, Bergvall faces a challenging group with the Netherlands, Japan, and Tunisia, but that also presents significant upside if he performs well.
Omar Marmoush, Egypt
Omar Marmoush’s days at Manchester City are reportedly numbered after being marginalized by Pep Guardiola following a scorching start at the Etihad.
With Mohamed Salah now past his peak, Egypt will need Marmoush to lead the attack this summer. He should be fresh, having played fewer than 600 league minutes.
Darwin Núñez, Uruguay
Uruguay would love to see the “Agent of Chaos” catch fire this summer. Darwin Núñez’s time in Saudi Arabia hasn’t exactly been an overwhelming success, but it at least means he won’t be exhausted when the World Cup kicks off.
Núñez can be infuriating and thrilling in equal measure, and Uruguay’s ceiling may depend on which version shows up.
Sander Berge, Norway
The argument for Norway as a dark horse isn’t based around the midfield solidity of Sander Berge and company. What Berge offers, though, is a platform for Erling Haaland and others to do damage.
If the Norwegians are to reach the last eight or beyond, they’ll need consistency and efficiency from midfield. Berge has drawn interest from top clubs in the past and brings plenty of experience against elite opposition.
Mohamed Amoura, Algeria
Ranking in the 92nd percentile for non-penalty expected goals and the 94th percentile for progressive receptions, Mohamed Amoura carries much of Algeria’s goal threat. His off-ball movement should stretch the pitch and create space for Riyad Mahrez.
Amoura scored 11 of his 19 international goals in 2025. He’s also found the net eight times for Wolfsburg this season and continues to generate high-quality chances in the Bundesliga.
Patrick Wimmer, Austria
In an attack featuring Marcel Sabitzer and Marko Arnautović, Patrick Wimmer is the lesser-known name. He’s a willing dribbler, unafraid to shoot from distance.
Ralf Rangnick’s high-intensity system suits him well, giving Austria an outlet out wide who can cause real problems for opposing full-backs.
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