The 2026 World Cup will see both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi line up for their sixth appearances at FIFA’s showpiece global event. Both made their debuts at Germany 2006 and have illuminated every tournament since.

Once more, the eyes of the world will be on their every move during what are likely to be their last appearances on the international stage. Ronaldo is 41, while Messi will turn 39 on June 24.

A sharp eye, though, is also cast on which pretender to the crown will step forward. Al Jazeera presents the top 10 breakout stars to watch. Turkey’s Kenan Yildiz, 21, returns to the World Cup after a 24-year hiatus, carrying the hopes of millions.

Argentina’s Nico Paz, 21, scored 12 goals and 7 assists for Como, seen as Messi’s successor. Brazil’s Rayan, 19, quickly adapted to European football with 5 goals for Bournemouth.

Mexico’s Gilberto Mora became the youngest scorer in the Mexican top flight at age 15. Ivory Coast’s Oumar Diomande, 19, scored 12 Bundesliga goals for RB Leipzig and won the Rookie of the Season award.

England’s James O’Reilly, a Manchester City academy product, scored 9 goals and 6 assists, thriving under Pep Guardiola. Germany’s Paul Karl, 18, scored 9 goals and 8 assists for Bayern Munich, winning Bundesliga Rookie of the Year.

Croatia’s Luka Vuskovic, 19, made 27 appearances for Hamburger, scoring 6 goals, attracting Bayern Munich’s interest. Japan’s Ryo Goto, a 20-year-old 1.91m striker, scored 13 goals and 8 assists, a potential trump card.

Iraq’s Ali Jasim, 22, made 24 appearances in the Saudi Pro League, scoring 4 goals, ready for Iraq’s first World Cup in 40 years.

The FIFA World Cup begins on June 11. Follow the action on Al Jazeera’s dedicated World Cup 2026 page with all the latest news, match build-up and live text commentary.

Source: www.aljazeera.com