The 2026 World Cup is just around the corner and promises to be bigger than ever. To help fans follow the tournament, The Athletic identified 200 players we call Football Stars. Some are well-known names — yes, Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo are on the list — but many are not as recognized. This guide includes players from all 48 participating nations, including six Americans and seven members of the English team. This list is not a collection of rankings, but rather an organization of players into five categories: Legends, Superstars, Key Players, Rising Stars and Unsung Heroes. You can sort or filter players however you prefer, including by country or professional club. Each link leads to a comprehensive profile, with detailed graphs that break down each player's most important characteristics and a name pronunciation guide. Whether you just want to catch up on your favorite team or learn about an upcoming opponent, we've got you covered.