From Cristiano Ronaldo’s sixth World Cup to Brazil’s blend of Neymar and Vinícius Júnior, here are the names casual fans will hear most as the biggest World Cup in history kicks off across North America.
The stars, legends and future icons: players every World Cup fan needs to know before kickoff
The biggest World Cup in history begins on Thursday afternoon in Mexico City.
Three host countries. 48 nations. Over a thousand players. 39 days of drama that will stretch from Guadalajara to Vancouver, from Los Angeles to New York.
For casual fans tuning in for the next month, the challenge isn’t figuring out which team to root for, it’s figuring out which players matter the most.
To be clear, this isn’t a ranking of the best soccer players on Earth. It’s merely a guide to the names you’ll likely be hearing repeatedly over the next six weeks. Some of them are global superstars. Some are legends taking one final lap around the sun. Some are rising stars in the sport that will soon become household names. Others are Major League Soccer standouts that you’ll be able to cheer on here in the United States after the tournament ends.
These are the players who will define the conversation from Thursday until July 19th.
Cristiano Ronaldo and Bruno Fernandes – Portugal
Every World Cup needs a main character.
At 41, Cristiano Ronaldo arrives for a sixth World Cup with nothing left to prove and somehow still everything to prove. The greatest international goalscorer the sport has ever seen remains one of the most recognizable athletes on the planet.
Whether Portugal lifts the trophy or crashes out early, Ronaldo will dominate headlines.
Alongside him is Bruno Fernandes, the conductor of Portugal’s offensive attack alongside Ronaldo. Every dangerous move seems to flow through his boots. If Ronaldo provides the spotlight, Fernandes provides the electricity.
Neymar, Vinícius Júnior and Raphinha – Brazil
Brazil’s pursuit of a sixth star begins with a fascinating blend of generations.
Neymar enters what could be his final World Cup carrying the weight of unfinished business. The talent has never been questioned. The trophy remains elusive.
Meanwhile, Vinícius Júnior has become the face of Brazil’s future. Explosive, fearless and capable of turning defenders into traffic cones, he is the player most likely to ignite stadiums across North America this summer.
Raphinha completes a terrifying attacking trio that can dismantle opponents in a matter of minutes.
