From Haaland to Yamal: Five big names featuring at their first World Cup in 2026. | OneFootball

This summer will mark the first World Cup appearances for some of the game's top talents. There's no bigger stage than the World Cup and these elite names will hope to make an impression.

Here are five big names featuring at their first World Cup in 2026.

Erling Haaland - Norway

Erling Haaland will lead a golden generation of Norwegian talent ready to make up for lost time this summer. Norway return to the World Cup stage for the first time since 1998 this summer, having sent a statement in qualification.

Ståle Solbakken's side qualified with a 100% record from eight games, beating Italy home and away, with Haaland in unstoppable form. TheManchester City striker's 16 goals were more than double the next-highest scoring players in UEFA's qualifiers, and extended his record for the national team to 55 goals in 50 caps. Haaland belongs on the big stage.

Lamine Yamal - Spain

Lamine Yamal broke multiple records as part of Spain's Euro 2024 winning team, as the teenager exploded on the international scene.

His milestones at that tournament included becoming the youngest-ever European Championship player and goalscorer, the latter set with a semi-final stunner against Spain.

Yamal's elevation to elite status has only accelerated since. He scored 16 goals and assisted 11 more asBarcelona won the La Liga title this season and, at just 18, is already among the world's finest talents.

Alexander Isak - Sweden

Alexander Isak endured a nightmare debut season atLiverpool as a missed pre-season and serious injury derailed his first campaign at Anfield.

Isak has since returned to fitness and some encouraging performances in Sweden's warm-up games indicate he's ready to shine this summer.

The 26-year-old, in full flight, is a game-changing number nine and, alongside Viktor Gyokeres, will carry Sweden's hopes. The Scandinavians return to the World Cup after failing to qualify in 2022.

Kenan Yildiz - Turkey

Juventus are planning sales this summer after missing out onChampions League football, but Kenan Yildiz is considered untouchable in Turin. The 21-year-old scored 10 goals and created six more in Serie A, re-emphasising his standing as one of the league's best young talents.

Yildiz will form part of a talented Turkish team at the 2026 World Cup, where The Crescent-Stars return for the first time in 24 years.Turkey finished third at their previous World Cup appearance.

Michael Olise - France

It takes a phenomenal campaign to beat Harry Kane to the Bundesliga Player of the Season award, but that's exactly whatMichael Olise produced in 2025/26.

The Frenchman scored 15 goals and provided a league-leading 19 assists, a return which saw him voted the Bundesliga's best. Olise will now join a star-studdedFrance side seeking to reach a third consecutive World Cup final.

A hat-trick against Northern Ireland this week proved Olise is ready for a big impact.