Not only is the U.S. soccer team stacked with fan-favorites at the quadrennial sports tournament—which kicks off June 11 across multiple cities in the United States, Canada and Mexico—but the international lineup is teeming with star power as well.
In fact, several of fútbol's all-time greats will be showing up and showing out this year, including the incomparable Lionel Messi.
The 38-year-old will serve as a defending champion as he represents Argentina for the sixth time at the World Cup. A veteran in the game, Messi is also likely looking his extend his record of most goal contributions in the World Cup, having been credited with 21 involvements so far.
But Cristiano Ronaldo is nipping as his cleated heels. After all, the 41-year-old, who's made 19 goal contributions at the sporting competition, is adamant on scoring Portugal's first-ever win in his sixth World Cup appearance.
"Portugal's never won World Cup," he told Piers Morgan in a 2025 interview. "But they can win. Yes, we're going to fight for that."
However, Ronaldo stressed that taking home the elusive prize will not "define if I'm one of the best of history."
"If you ask me, 'Christian, is it a dream to win the World Cup?' No, it's not a dream," said the athlete, who is dad to five kids with longtime partner Georgina Rodriguez. "To win the World Cup, nothing will change my name in the history of football."
Ronaldo added, "People say, 'Christian will be the greatest if they win the World Cup.' I'm not agree."
Still, there are plenty others whose dream is to hoist the World Cup trophy. Take Lamine Yamal, who is making his World Cup debut with Team Spain.
"Since childhood, I have dreamed of attending the World Cup, seeing my mother in the stands and representing the national team," the 18-year-old shared during the Laureus World Sports Awards on April 20, where he was honored as the Young Sportsperson of the Year. "These next few months will seem very short, and I clearly hope that we will be the champions."
Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappé of France considers chasing FIFA's top honor his "obsession."
"A World Cup is a World Cup," he said during at press conference at the 2022 FIFA World Cup, where his team was ultimately defeated by Argentina. "It's the competition of my dreams."
For more international players you should keep an eye out for at this year's tournament, keep reading...
Don't let Yamal's age fool you. In just two years since his debut, the Spaniard already has a UEFA European Football Championship under his belt. He was also the runner-up for the Ballon d'Or—also known as the "Golden Ball," an award recognizing the best soccer player of the year—in 2025.
Current Soccer Club: Inter Miami CF (United States)
History has its eyes on Messi, who is the most decorated player in the world of soccer. Not only is he the defending World Cup champion, but the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner is on the cusp of becoming the first player to win back-to-back World Cups as the captain of his national team.
There's a reason why Ronaldo is considered one of the greatest players of all time. After all, he's scored over 970 goals in his career so far and shows no signs of stopping. He scored at least 100 goals while playing with each of his former clubs—Real Madrid, Manchester United and Juventus—as well as over 130 goals with his national team.
Known as one of the best strikers of his generation, Kane is serving as the captain of England's national team for the third consecutive World Cup. In fact, the London native scored the winning goal at the team's warm-up match against New Zealand on June 6.
Ever since kicking off his professional soccer career at age 16, Musiala has been nicknamed "Bambi" for his graceful movements on the pitch. He made his World Cup debut at the 2022 tournament.
Born Neymar da Silva Santos Júnior, the mononymous sensation is his home country's all-time leading scorer after surpassing Pelé's 52-year record in 2023. He's looking to lead his team back to World Cup glory for the first time since 2002.
Considered Croatia's greatest soccer player, Modric captained the nation's team to a third-place victory at the 2018 World Cup. He also holds the record for most caps for Croatia, playing for the country more than 190 times on the international stage.
Mbappe took home the World Cup when he made his debut in 2018. And after coming close in 2022, with Argentina defeating France in a penalty shoot-out, the Frenchman is undoubtedly entering this year's competition with fire in his belly.
Born Vinícius José Paixão de Oliveira Júnior, the Brazilian soccer superstar was crowned The Best FIFA Men’s Player and runner-up to the Ballon d'Or in 2024. In his second World Cup appearance, Vini Jr. is hoping to end Brazil's 24-year wait for the trophy.