World Cup 2026 Stars & Dark Horses: Messi, Mbappé, Haaland & More

The 2026 World Cup is here, and it’s bigger than ever. From global superstars like Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Cristiano Ronaldo and Erling Haaland to under-the-radar dark horse teams that could shock the tournament, we break down everything you need to know ahead of kickoff. Ashley Haas is joined by Filippo Silva from Tactical Manager TV to preview the biggest World Cup stars, rising young talents, and surprise teams to watch. Can Messi and Ronaldo make one last run? Which dark horses like Japan, Colombia, or Norway could make a deep run? And who are the breakout players ready to take over the global stage? 0:00 The Biggest World Cup Ever 3:30 New Format Breakdown 6:28 Opening Match Preview: Mexico vs South Africa 7:25 Messi & Ronaldo’s Final World Cup? 11:20 Brazil, Neymar & Ancelotti 14:38 Dark Horse Teams to Watch 17:38 Biggest Stars & Future Superstars 19:56 Team USA 21:20 USA Best vs Worst Case Scenario 23:55 Predictions, Rapid Fire & World Cup Winner BetMGM Promo Terms & Conditions: Click the following link – https://mediaserver.betmgmpartners.co... – and bet $10, get $150 in bonus bets, in addition to your winnings, if your bet wins for BetMGM sportsbook. Bonus bets expire in 7 days and are non-withdrawable. Offer only available in participating states. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. BetMGM players will receive a first bet offer token to apply to any bet on any sport (The “Qualifying Event”). Receive up to $1,500 bonus bets if that bet loses. First bet offer tokens may be used on wagers with a minimum odds of -10,000, and are valid for 7 days. First bet offer token will expire 7 days before being issued. Limit one offer per customer. Disclaimer: Newsweek may earn an affiliate commission if you sign up through the links in the video. See the sportsbook operator’s terms and conditions for important details. Sports betting operators have no influence over newsroom coverage. For Newsweek's written sports betting content, be sure to sign up for Sports Betting Editor Tyler Everett's newsletter https://sports-betting.beehiiv.com/ Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/2JjpnIb #WorldCup2026 #WorldCup #Soccer #Football #Messi #Ronaldo #Mbappe #Haaland #SoccerStars #WorldCupStars #DarkHorses #Underdogs #BreakoutPlayers #USMNT #USSoccer #Pulisic #JapanSoccer #ColombiaSoccer #NorwaySoccer #WorldCupPreview #FIFAWorldCup #SoccerPredictions - - - - - - - - - - - - - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Newsweek Twitter: https://twitter.com/Newsweek Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Newsweek https://www.newsweek.com