KUALA LUMPUR - The 2026 FIFA World Cup is expected to see global football fans focus on a blend of experienced stars and emerging young talents capable of shaping the course of the world's biggest football tournament.
On paper, established names that have long dominated the international football scene remain among the most talked-about players. However, reputation and experience alone no longer guarantee absolute dominance on football's grandest stage.
Local sports analyst Zack Rahim said the World Cup has always been the best platform for any player to make an impact, particularly rising young stars.
He said Norway striker Erling Haaland is among the players expected to attract attention based on his consistent performances at both international and club levels.
"Strikers usually attract more attention because goals are often the main measure of a player's performance. Based on his current record and ability to score consistently, Haaland has the potential to emerge as one of the tournament's leading stars," he told Bernama.
Haaland has already sent an early warning of his presence on the international stage after scoring 16 goals in eight World Cup qualifying matches.
Commenting on the prospects of veteran players, Zack said Portugal star Cristiano Ronaldo may face a major challenge in realising his dream of winning the only major trophy that has eluded him throughout his career.
"If we look at World Cup history, legendary players such as Diego Maradona and Pelé also experienced a decline in performance as they grew older. At a certain point, physical factors begin to play a significant role.
"They may still be part of the squad, but their chances of playing full matches become more limited compared to when they were at their peak," he said.
He said a similar situation could also be faced by Argentina captain Lionel Messi, who is expected to be 39 when the tournament takes place.
According to Zack, the high intensity of World Cup matches demands optimum fitness and physical endurance, making age one of the main challenges for the veteran star, who will undoubtedly be eager to defend the trophy as the reigning champion.
"Longer recovery periods and the need to maintain peak fitness levels may result in older players being used more as substitutes or rested in certain matches," he said.
Meanwhile, Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Senior Communications Lecturer Ahmad Faisal Mohamed Fiah named three players expected to be in the spotlight: Kylian Mbappé (France), Jamal Musiala (Germany) and Lamine Yamal (Spain).
"I think all of them will attract attention because they represent the next generation of footballers. However, we cannot be certain. Sometimes when expectations become too high, there is a risk that players may fail to shine," he said.
He said teams that successfully balance the experience of senior players with the energy and creativity of younger talents are likely to have a better chance of progressing deep into the tournament.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be hosted by United States, Canada and Mexico from June 11 to July 19 next year, will make history as the first edition to feature 48 teams. - BERNAMA