The stars
1. Ousmane Dembele (France)
Yes, Kylian Mbappe is the poster boy of a stacked French team many are tipping to win the World Cup for a third time. But maybe Dembele is actually the one to watch. The PSG star and reigning Ballon d’Or winner is electric with both feet, a bundle of energy and lethal in front of goal. Has a point to prove, too, after an ineffective appearance in the 2022 final.
2. Bruno Fernandes (Portugal)
Coming off another spectacular season for Manchester United in which he was named the best player in the English Premier League with eight goals and a record 21 assists. Sublime skills, unmatched vision and a relentless engine make Fernandes the heartbeat of a talented Portuguese team.
Still just 18! That is frankly ridiculous. Yamal has already played 101 games for Barcelona, scoring 30 goals, and has 25 caps for Spain after making his debut at 16. All silk and speed on the wing, he has been battling injury — but watch out if he is firing come the crunch end of the tournament.
4. Moises Caicedo (Ecuador)
Ecuador are my sneaky pick for a wildcard team at the World Cup. They conceded just five goals in 18 qualifying games and finished above Brazil in their region. Caicedo is starting to really flourish in the engine room at Chelsea and can be a midfield monster for his country.
5. William Saliba (France)
Always need to have one central defender on this list. You will be stretched to find one better than Saliba. France might be loaded with attacking talent, but World Cups can be all about the defence when the tournament gets to the knockout stage. Saliba is coming off an imperious campaign for premier league champions Arsenal.
Surely the last dance for these all time greats. Messi is about to turn 39 and would quite like a second World Cup winner’s medal. Ronaldo is 41 and in elite physical shape. Mighty Mo Salah has shed his tears at leaving Liverpool and, at 33, would love to lead his nation as far as possible. Kane, the world’s most lethal striker, is 32 and will set England records for appearances and goals that may never be beaten. De Bruyne will soon be 35, and while his Manchester City glory days are behind him, he remains a key man for his country. Van Dijk is 34 and still going strong. And the relentless, metronomic Modric appears in a fifth World Cup at 40.
The next ones
1. Nico O’Reilly (England)
The 21-year-old left back or midfielder has come out of nowhere.
2. Nico Paz (Argentina)
Yes, another Nico. Also 21, the classy attacking midfielder is the next great hope for the defending champions.
3. Yan Diomande (Ivory Coast)
Exciting 19-year-old winger has all the world’s top clubs looking at him.
4. Desire Doue (France)
French football is now just a production line of talent.
5. Pau Cubarsi (Spain)
The 19-year-old defender played 31 games for Barcelona this season.
The All Whites
1. Chris Wood
New Zealand’s only genuine world-class player. The All Whites might go as far as Wood can take them.
2. Elijah Just
Offers so much energy and creativity on the left.
3. Finn Surman
Young but an old-school centre back who does not like being beaten.
The ones with cool names
Thabang Matuludi (South Africa), Promise David (Canada), Weverton (Brazil), Johny Placide (Haiti), Auston Trusty (USA), Godfried Roemeratoe (Curacao), Zizo (Egypt), Charles Pickel (Congo).
