Road to the 2026 World Cup January 2025 Edition: Rest of the World
To kick off 2025, I wrote this special article to serve as a different kind of guide in preparation for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. While a year and a half seems like a long time, time is running out for a lot of players aiming for a spot in their nation’s squad (and earning them qualification). The 2025 summer transfer window will be the last significant chance for players to change their situation in their favor, as movement is more limited in winter windows. But before all of that can happen, this is a snapshot for players in nearly every national team that could qualify for the World Cup that has at least one player in an accessible league to view in the United States.
Such leagues include the Premier League, EFL Championship, La Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A, Ligue 1, Major League Soccer, USL Championship, and Liga MX. Some players from leagues such as Liga Portugal, Eredivisie, Scottish Premier League, Turkish Super Lig, and Belgian Pro League may also appear but primarily if their club is in one of the three European competitions. I will avoid mentioning obvious players when possible.
I’ll list each player’s position, club, name, birth year, and domestic league stats (excludes European and domestic cups). All info correct as of December 29, 2024.
This is a much longer than usual article to thank those that supported my work in 2024 and invite new people on board in 2025. My shorter, weekly articles during the European season will still have the same passion.
I’ll pin this article (and the Europe version) to refer back to it throughout the year, at least unless/until I provide an updated version as we get a clearer picture of the thinking World Cup field. Please share this to anyone who is even remotely interested in the World Cup.
Hope you enjoy!
AFC
Group A
Iran
Forward Inter Milan Mehdi Taremi 12 app 1 assist 6.3 avg
Most days, you’ll expect Lautaro Martinez and Marcus Thuram to start up top for Inter. There hasn’t been much of a drop off when Mehdi Taremi starts or subs on for them. While his average rating is lower, it often is due to having fewer minutes per match. Taremi has already proven himself in the European level, and as long as he is in the mix at this big club, Iran will be happy to have him there for the World Cup qualification journey.
Uzbekistan
Center Back Lens Abdukodir Kuhsanov 2004; 13 app 7.2 avg rating
Forward Roma Eldor Shomudorov 1995; 8 app 1 goal 1 assist 6.6 avg rating
A young center back breaking through in a top five European league paired with an experienced role player striker for Roma covers most of Uzbekistan’s European experience, but there can be more on the way if Uzbekistan succeeds in qualifying for the World Cup after coming up close in the last few cycles.
Group B
South Korea
Left Winger Mainz Lee Jae-sung 1992; 14 app 5 goals 2 assists 7.4 avg rating
Forward Wolves Hwang Hee-chan 1996; 13 app 2 goals 6.4 avg rating
Lee Jae-sung reminded his international teammate Kim Min-jae of his importance to club and country with a man of the match performance in Mainz’s win over Bayern this season. It’s also no coincidence that Wolves have turned a corner in part when Hwang Hee-chan started getting more involved again. He still mainly comes off the bench, but Hwang is a scary forward for tired Premier League defenders to deal with.
Iraq
Winger/Forward Como Ali Jasim 2004; 2 appearances
Iraq’s only European player is only recently getting integrated into the Como setup under manager Cesc Fàbregas, but he’s got time on his side. Iraq qualifying would help introduce Jasim to a broader audience, but for now let’s see if he gets more minutes as the season progresses.
Group C
Japan
Goalkeeper Parma Zion Suzuki 2002; 17 app 1 clean sheet 6.8 avg rating
Right Back Southampton Yukinari Sugawara 2000; 16 app 1 goal 1 assist 6.5 avg rating
Right Winger Freiburg Ritsu Doan 1998; 15 app 5 goals 2 assists 7.3 avg rating
Attacking Midfielder Crystal Palace Daichi Kamada 1996; 15 app 6.5 avg rating
Left Winger Brighton Kaoru Mitoma 1997; 19 app 3 goals 2 assists 7.1 avg rating
Zion Suzuki has been on the wrong end of some lopsided scores, but has looked impressed for the most part despite that. Sugawara can relate to that through Southampton’s own struggles, but he wouldn’t be the first Southampton player to play a crucial role for Japan following Maya Yoshida. Where things get really interesting is the midfield combination of Doan, Kamara, and Mitoma. That could rival virtually any other attacking midfield a national team can muster with their skill and ability to whip in dangerous balls.
Australia
Center Back Ipswich Town Cameron Burgess 1995; 9 app 1 assist 6.9 avg rating
Center Back Sheffield United Harry Souttar 1998; 21 app 7.2 avg rating
Left Back Derby County Callum Elder 1995; 16 app 1 assist 6.7 avg rating
Center Midfielder St. Pauli Jackson Irvine 1993; 15 app 4 assists 7.3 avg rating
Attacking Midfielder/Left Winger Middlesbrough Riley McGree 1998; 15 app 1 goal 5 assists 7.0 avg rating
Australia’s first knockout stage appearance in a World Cup since 2006 back in Qatar featured less star players of Tim Cahill’s reputation but more of a collective effort. One of the biggest surprises, beyond just his height, was the emergence of Harry Souttar. He hasn’t quite stuck around in the Premier League just yet, but second divisions in England and Germany have served the Aussies well lately. Just ask Jackson Irvine, who paid his dues in 2. Bundesliga and now is leading St. Pauli to hopefully survival in the Bundesliga. Riley McGree will be integral to get the offense up a gear.
Indonesia
Goalkeeper FC Dallas Maarten Paes 30 app 5 clean sheets 3 penalties saved 6.8 avg rating
Center Back Venezia Jay Idzes 16 app 1 goal 6.7 avg rating
Attacking Midfielder/Winger Oxford United Marselino Ferdinan
The recent change in FIFA eligibility rules is starting to benefit Indonesia as their global diaspora is providing contributors from far and wide. Maarten Paes is an underrated MLS goalkeeper, Jay Idzes is a mainstay in the Venezia defense, and there’s the young prospect Ferdinan who is part of a club battling to survive relegation to League One. He’s yet to make a league appearance this season, but if he breaks through that’ll be yet another boost for the world’s 4th most populous nation’s football team.
Saudi Arabia
Right Back Roma Saud Abdulhamid 1999; 3 app 1 assist 6.6 avg rating
Back in the 2018 World Cup, Saudi Arabia had Yahya Al-Shehri (Leganés), Fahad Al-Muwallad (Levante), and Salem Al-Dawsari (Villarreal) “playing” for La Liga clubs. In truth, they barely featured for their club sides. Because of that history, I was skeptical of Roma signing Saud Abdulhamid from Al Hilal. He’s since made a few appearances in the first half of this campaign, which is a better start than the aforementioned trio mustered. Roma isn’t the most stable club right now though, so we’ll have to wait and see if he can fully break that curse.
CAF
Group A
Egypt
Defensive Midfielder Ipswich Town Sam Morsy 1991; 17 app 1 goal 1 assist 6.9 avg rating
Forward Eintracht Frankfurt Omar Marmoush 1999; 15 app 13 goals 7 assists 8.2 avg rating.
Mohamed Salah’s individual brilliance wasn’t enough for Egypt to make an impact at the 2018 World Cup, but hardy midfielder Sam Morsy and more so prolific forward Omar Marmoush represent some more help than the Egyptian King has had in previous iterations of this national team. With 20 goal contributions already this season, Marmoush is looking like this season’s Serhou Guirassy, a Bundesliga breakout goalscoring machine.
Guinea-Bissau
Forward Brest Mama Balde 1995; 14 app 2 goals 1 assist 6.5 avg rating
Mama Balde has bounced around a few Ligue 1 clubs in the last half decade, but he’s contributed a pair of goals so far for Brest in their spotlight season having qualified for the Champions League.
Burkina Faso
Center Back Bayer Leverkusen Edmond Tapsoba 1999; 15 app 7.2 avg rating
Right Winger Ajax Bertrand Traore 1995; 17 app 5 goals 2 assists 7.1 avg rating
Left Winger Bournemouth Dango Ouattara 2002; 16 app 3 goals 3 assists 7.0 avg rating
Forward San Jose Earthquakes Ousseni Bouda 2000; 19 app 3 goals 6.4 avg rating
The first three are the three most integral pillars for Les Faucons Pelerins and are a joy to watch for their respective clubs. Ousseni Bouda is a player close to my heart because he plays for my local MLS team, but he was a bit part player behind Jeremy Ebobisse. When given game time, he makes impressive runs and challenges covering center backs. The next step for him is to improve on his finishing touch.
Sierra Leone
Center Back Real Valladolid Juma Bah 2006; 10 app 6.6 avg rating
Thanks to Kei Kamara’s exploits in Major League Soccer, I’ve wondered when Sierra Leone could possibly qualify for a World Cup. It may not be 2026, but young Juma Bah’s progress is worth monitoring for a nation that hasn’t had many players in high European levels since Kamara’s spells in Norwich City and Middlesbrough.
Group B
Senegal
Right Back Real Betis Youssouf Sabaly 1993; 12 app 6.8 avg rating
Center Midfielder Tottenham Pape Sarr 2002; 19 app 1 goal 2 assist 6.9 avg rating
Center Midfielder Villarreal Pape Gueye 1999; 16 app 6.8 avg rating
Left Winger Everton Iliman Ndiaye 2000; 18 app 3 goals 7.2 avg rating
Forward Chelsea Nicolas Jackson 2001; 18 app 9 goals 3 assists 7.3 avg rating
With Senegal’s current influx of talent led by Sadio Mane and Kalidou Koulibaly, qualification is an expectation. It’s easy to see why when going through these players. Youssouf Sabaly is one of the best right backs in La Liga with his technical capabilities. Senegal often has several strong players at the heart of their midfield which includes the likes of Pape Gueye and Sarr. If Nicolas Jackson can consistently channel the form that brought him from Villarreal to Chelsea (which he has improved on from last season), Senegal will be a dangerous team in the World Cup stage.
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Right Back Oxford United Peter Kioso 1999; 16 app 1 assist 6.5 avg rating
Defensive Midfielder Luton Town Pelly-Ruddock Mpanzu 1994; 9 app 1 assist 6.4 avg rating
Center Midfielder Lille Ngal Mukau 2004; 10 app 6.9 avg rating
Forward Brentford Yoann Wissa 1996; 15 app 9 goals 1 assist 7.2 avg rating
While Mpanzu hasn’t appeared for Congo DR since 2021, what a story it would be if he represented them at the World Cup after making it through all professional divisions of English football. Yoann Wissa is the most exciting player of this bunch as he’s generated some electric attacking displays for Brentford this season.
Togo
Center Back Getafe Djene 1991; 16 app 6.8 avg rating
If you think Djene missed the boat on Togo’s chance in the World Cup stage in 2006, nobody has convinced him of that. He’s represented his nation since 2012 and is a mainstay for Getafe. His experience and leadership will be needed to make a second World Cup appearance possible. Djene can also pick a pass better than most center backs.
Group C
Rwanda
Midfielder Rhode Island FC Jojea Kwizera 1999; 31 app 3 app 6 assists 7.3 avg rating
This is admittedly a uniquely North American story, but it’s fun to see an expansion side like Rhode Island FC make the final in their first ever season. They would not have gotten there without the skill and offensive production of Jojea Kwizera. At the time of writing, Rwanda is top of their qualification group. The more USL players in the World Cup, the better!
South Africa
Forward Burnley Lyle Foster 2000; 10 app 1 goal 1 assist 6.7 avg rating
South Africa’s squad is mainly domestic based, but whenever their star player makes waves in Europe, the South African social media contingent showers them with support. While not quite at the hype level of Percy Tau, I’d say Lyle Foster has exceeded Tau in talent. That will be more convincing if Burnley secures promotion. A Bafana Bafana player in the Premier League just feels right, harkening back to the days of Steven Pienaar for Everton.
Benin
Forward Augsburg Steve Mounie 1994; 10 appearances 6.2 avg rating
Speaking of Premier League throwbacks, who remembers Steve Mounie and the heroic Huddersfield Town players that avoided relegation against all odds in 2017–18? Ok, so they got relegated the following season. Sure, Mounie is goalless this Bundesliga season and hasn’t scored double digit goals since his 2015–16 season in Ligue 2 with Nimes. But he remains a solid player for Benin to have.
Nigeria
Goalkeeper Udinese Maduka Okoye 1999; 14 app 3 clean sheets 1 pen saved 6.8 avg rating
Right Back Nottingham Forest Ola Aina 1996; 19 app 2 goals 7.3 avg rating
Attacking Midfielder Lazio Fisayo Dele-Bashiru 2001; 9 app 2 goals 6.8 avg rating
Right Winger AC Milan Samuel Chukwueze 1999; 17 app 1 goal 6.9 avg rating
Right Winger Bayer Leverkusen Nathan Tella 1999; 11 app 2 assists 6.6 avg rating
Left Winger Atalanta Ademola Lookman 1997; 15 app 9 goals 5 assists 7.7 avg rating
Forward West Brom Josh Maja 1998; 24 app 10 goals 2 assists 7.1 avg rating
Nigeria surprisingly failed to qualify for their first World Cup in 2022 after appearing in 3 in a row from 2010 to 2018. If they don’t make it to 2026 with players like these, it’ll be a similar level of disappointment. While they’ve always had attacking talent, their quality of goalkeepers and defenders have gone up too with the likes of Okoye (their best talent at the position since Vincent Enyeama retired for the Super Eagles in 2015) and Aina. Tella, Dele-Bashiru, and lately Chukweze are all enjoying decent seasons. Samuel Chukwueze had a tough start to life at AC Milan, but is now showing flashes of his Villarreal form filling in for the injured Christian Pulisic. Ademola Lookman is up there with Ederson for Atalanta’s most important player.
Zimbabwe
Left Back Plymouth Argyle Brendan Galloway 1996; 10 app 6.3 avg rating
Left Wing Back Udinese Jordan Zemura 1999; 16 app 1 goal 2 assists 6.8 avg rating
Center Back Reims Marshall Munetsi 1996; 14 app 3 goals 7.1 avg rating
So far, most of Zimbabwe’s diasporic help has arrived in defensive areas. While I haven’t thought much about Brendan Galloway since his time with Everton, he is an asset for Plymouth Argyle’s EFL Championship survival campaign. Jordan Zemura may be missing out on the fund at Bournemouth, but he’s having a good season for Udinese. It’ll take a little more time for Zimbabwe to rise up the African ranks, but this is a decent start.
Group D
Cameroon
Center Back Inter Milan Yann Bisseck 2000; 13 app 1 goal 1 assist 6.9 avg rating
Center Back Osasuna Enzo Boyomo 2001; 18 app 1 goal 6.7 avg rating
Defensive Midfielder Napoli Andre-Franck Zambo Anguissa 1995; 18 app 3 goals 1 assist 7.4 avg
Central Midfielder Brighton Carlos Baleba 2004; 16 app 2 goals 1 assist 7.1 avg
Right Winger Brentford Bryan Mbeumo 1999; 18 app 10 goals 2 assists 7.6 avg
Another African powerhouse with plenty of players to choose from in the European leagues, the top of the pack is Yann Bisseck and Bryan Mbeumo. Bisseck has impressed for an Inter Milan back three that’s been hit with injuries all around him. Bryan Mbuemo is the other half of the dynamic Brentford duo with Yoann Wissa that can burn you with pace, precision, and skill. Andre-Franck Zambo Anguissa is surrounded by more midfield talent this cycle and is the heart of Napoli’s humming offense. Mbeumo will be just as appreciative of his services as Lukaku and Khavartskhelia are at club level.
Libya
Defensive Midfielder Besiktas Moatasem Al-Musrati 1996; 12 app 1 goal 7.0 avg rating
If Besiktas can find a way to get to the knockout stage of the Europa League, we’ll get more of a closer look at the heart of Libya’s midfield. With his aerial and technical ability, he could slot in and improve the midfield of some other big clubs across Europe.
Cape Verde
Goalkeeper Vitoria de Guimaraes Bruno Varela 1994; 16 app 5 clean sheets 1 pen saved 6.6 avg rating
Center Back Villarreal Logan Costa 2001; 14 app 1 goal 6.7 avg rating
It’s not surprising to see some of Cape Verde’s most talented players competing in the Iberian leagues. Bruno Varela is playing as well as anyone in a Vitoria side enjoying an impressive Conference League campaign. It’s not easy for goalkeepers outside of Portugal’s big three to keep clean sheets with goliaths like Viktor Gyokeres at their disposal. Similarly, Logan Costa is one of the first name’s in Villarreal’s defense. He’s helped steady the Yellow Submarine to exciting waters in the form of the European spots.
Angola
Center Back Lyon Clinton Mata 1992: 12 app 3 goals 6.9 avg rating
Forward Rayo Vallecano Randy Nteka 1997; 13 app 1 goal 6.4 avg rating
Forward Lens M’Bala Nzola 1996; 10 app 4 goals 1 assist 6.9 rating
Angola’s talent is starting to creep up into higher levels of football, beginning dreams of their second World Cup appearance following their debut in 2006. Clinton Mata is certainly playing well enough to merit inclusion in the next tournament, and age wise this could be his last chance. Randy Nteka isn’t the most productive forward (albeit his opportunities have mostly come from the bench) but I have a feeling a purple patch could happen for this once highly rated potential player later this season. Maybe a move to Ligue 1 could improve his production based on Nzola’s performances.
Group E
Morocco
Center Back Alaves Abdelkabir Abqar 1999; 17 app 1 assist 6.7 avg rating
Center Midfielder Monaco Eliesse Ben Seghir 2005: 16 app 5 goals 3 assists 7.3 rating
Right Winger/Attacking Midfielder Real Madrid Brahim Diaz 1999; 13 app 2 goals 2 assists 7.0 rating
Left Winger Real Betis Abdessamad Ezzalzouli 2001; 18 app 1 goal 1 assist 7.0 avg rating
Left Winger Nice Sofiane Diop 2000; 12 app 3 goals 2 assists 7.3 avg Rating
Many of the key players in Morocco’s historic 4th place finish at the 2022 World Cup are now rightfully considered stars, so let’s look at some of the other potential contributors for an encore. The spine of the team that provides Morocco’s iconic solidity could be fortified with Abqar and Ben Seghir’s contributions. Ben Seghir’s potential considering he’s already a highly skilled player at his young age is sky high. Furthermore, Brahim Diaz declaring for Morocco provides some winning caliber Real Madrid experience along with the other dazzling wingers Ezzalzouli and Diop.
Zambia
Forward Leicester City Patson Daka 1998; 7 app 1 goal 6.3 avg rating
I just hope Patson Daka remains healthy for the rest of this season. He has the talent to be just as prolific, if not more, as Jamie Vardy for the Foxes. His excellence provides Zambia its most exciting footballing story on the men’s side since their 2012 Africa Cup of Nations triumph.
Group F
Cote D’Ivoire
Right Back Strasbourg Guela Doue 2002; 14 app 1 goal 7.1 avg rating
Center Back Atalanta Odilon Kossounou 2001; 11 app 6.8 avg rating
Center Back Roma Evan N’Dicka 1999; 18 app 1 assist 6.8 avg rating
Right Winger Manchester United Amad Diallo 2002; 17 app 2 goals 6 assists 7.3 avg rating
Les Elephantes are well stocked in defense, especially with a potential center back partnership of Odilon Kossounou and Evan N’Dicka. Few better places to become top quality defenders than the Serie A. Amad Diallo provides one of the few reasons why anyone would watch Manchester United this season with his brilliant skill and eye for goal.
Gabon
Defensive Midfielder Wolves Mario Lemina 1993; 16 app 1 goal 3 assists 7.0 avg rating
Forward LAFC Denis Bouanga 1994; 36 app 21 goals 9 assists 7.7 avg rating
With Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang at Al Qadsiah in the Saudi Pro League, Mario Lemina and Denis Bouanga are the Gabonese players we’ll see most frequently in 2025. Bouanga will be aware that former LAFC player Gareth Bale helped Wales end a long World Cup drought and looks to do the same for Gabon. Bouanga’s ability to play anywhere in a front three will come in handy alongside a high-profile player like Aubameyang. Bouanga’s nose for goal as a finisher or provider is impressive. It would be great for Lemina to be a part of that journey too having broke out at a young age in a big club like Juventus and having to find his way. The latest stop in his career at Wolves has been an impressive one so far.
Group G
Algeria
Left Back Borussia Dortmund Ramy Bensebaini 1995; 14 app 1 goal 4 assists 7.2 avg rating
Left Back Wolves Rayan Ait Nouri 2001; 18 app 3 goals 5 assists 7.1 avg rating
Left Back Watford Yasser Larouci 2001; 21 app 3 assists 6.7 avg rating
Center Midfielder Nice Hicham Boudaoui 1999; 11 app 1 goal 1 assist 7.3 avg rating
Forward Wolfsburg Mohamed Amoura 2000; 13 app 5 goals 6 assists 7.6 avg rating
Forward Stade Rennes Amine Gouiri 2000; 15 app 2 goals 1 assist 6.6 avg rating
If you’re looking for a less obvious African nation to back for a deep World Cup run, Algeria is a good idea. Similarly to Greece, they have an impressive depth in left back of all positions. I would argue their top two left backs of Bensebaini and Ait Nouri are almost as strong as Portugal’s top duo, with Larouci one to watch grow with Watford (even if he is the same age as Ait Nouri). Amoura is the most exciting of the attacking options as he revitalizes Wolfsburg’s offense and pairs well with Gouiri who could’ve represented France (granted, many Algerian players are born there), but probably made the right decision to get more international opportunities.
Mozambique
Center Back/Left Back Atlético Madrid Reinildo 1994; 13 app 6.7 avg rating
Right Winger Sporting CP Geny Catamo 2001; 15 app 3 goals 2 assists 7.2 avg rating
Given Mozambique’s stature in African football, you could do worse than a key figure for one of the biggest clubs in Spain and the latest in the Portuguese League attacking talent production line. With Gyokeres drawing so much attention in the Sporting CP attacking, Geny Catamo gets more opportunities to cause damage of his own.
Guinea
Center Midfielder Celta Vigo Ilaix Moriba 2003; 15 app 1 assist 6.9 avg rating
Center Midfielder Leganés Seydouba Cisse 2001; 16 app 1 goal 7.0 avg rating
Right Winger St. Pauli Morgan Guilavogui 1998; 13 app 2 goals 6.9 avg rating
Forward Borussia Dortmund Serhou Guirassy 1996; 12 app 6 goals 1 assist 7.2 avg rating
Guinea’s midfield and attacking options is impressive given this country’s size. Serhou Guirassy has impressed many football fans since his incredible goalscoring season for Stuttgart and is a solid starting option for Dortmund. Ilaix Moriba’s career has taken a positive next chapter at Celta Vigo after his struggles at Barcelona and RB Leipzig.
Group H
Tunisia
Right Wing Back Sheffield Wednesday Yan Valery 1999; 24 app 1 goal 3 assists 6.7 avg rating
Center Midfielder Eintracht Frankfurt Ellyes Shkiri 1995; 13 app 6.8 avg rating
Center Midfielder Lecce Hamza Rafia 1996; 16 app 6.6 avg rating
Left Winger Burnley Hannibal Mejbri 2003; 18 app 1 assist 6.6 avg rating
Yan Valery is a complete wing back capable of covering every blade of grass on his side effortlessly. He will be a great asset to these promising midfielders and in getting the best out of the talented Mejbri if they play together. He had a Premier League stint with Southampton a few years back and more top flight clubs will be aware of him and some of these other Tunisian talents. With their midfield options as well, you can see how Tunisia gave France problems in their 2022 World Cup encounter.
Namibia
Right Back Derby County Ryan Nyambe 1997; 9 app 6.7 avg rating
On another episode of Football Fan Fiction, thinking about how perennial Championship level defender Ryan Nyambe could somehow be a part of a historic World Cup qualifying Namibia side is something only a nerd like me could appreciate.
Equatorial Guinea
Right Back San Jose Earthquakes Carlos Akapo 1993; 21 app 1 assist 6.8 avg rating
Center Back Rayo Vallecano Aridane Hernandez 1989; 4 app 6.3 avg rating
Left Back Reims Sergio Akieme 1997; 12 app 1 goal 1 assist 6.8 avg rating
Defensive Midfielder Mallorca Omar Mascarell 1993; 16 app 6.7 avg rating
Calling upon their Spanish based diaspora, as well as one of the standout San Jose Earthquakes players who has a solid cross (just that his strikers had less success getting on the end of them than in the previous season), Equatorial Guinea have a strong defensive core to build on which could help them spring an upset against stronger opponents. Especially as deep lying playmaker Omar Mascarell continues to inspire Mallorca’s rise as their tempo setter. Even at the twilight of his career, Aridane Hernandez provides a physical presence in the box at both ends of the pitch.
Group I
Comoros
Right Back Sparta Rotterdam Said Bakari 1994; 9 app 6.8 avg rating
Sparta Rotterdam is in a relegation battle in the Eredivisie, which means Said Bakari will be in high-pressure matches for his club side in preparation for helping Comoros achieve a dream World Cup qualification.
Ghana
Center Back Monaco Mohamed Salisu
Right Winger Bournemouth Antoine Semenyo
Right Winger Athletic Bilbao Inaki Williams
Left Winger West Ham Mohamed Kudus
Ghana have one of the most promising potentials to grow into a powerful force as more players within their diaspora choose to represent the Black Stars. As great as the 2006 and 2010 teams were, even they could’ve been even strong if they had Inaki Williams on their side. Even at his age, he’s keeping pace with his younger brother Nico Williams as a devastating one two punch on the wings at Athletic Bilbao. As long as Mohamed Kudus can keep his cool, he’s going to be an impressive attacking midfielder for years to come.
Madagascar
Left Winger Union St. Gilloise Loic Lapoussin 1996; 6 app 1 goal 1 assist 7.9 avg rating
Brighton is famed for finding talented players worldwide, but many of those Seagulls come through Union St. Gilloise in Belgium. At his age, it’s unlikely Lapoussin will make that step to the Premier League, but he’s a key player for Madagascar staying sharp in an underrated European league. Despite his role has been reduced since their European adventure concluded last season, he’s effective particularly with the ball in limited appearances.
Mali
Defensive Midfielder Tottenham Yves Bissouma 1996; 15 app 2 goals 6.8 avg rating
Defensive Midfielder Reims Amadou Kone 2005; 10 app 7.0 avg rating
Center Midfielder Bochum Ibrahima Sissoko 1997; 15 app 1 goal 1 assist 7.0 avg rating
Attacking Midfielder Brest Kamory Doumbia 2001; 12 app 1 goal 1 assist 6.8 avg rating
Even more so than Guinea, Mali is a West African jewel of midfield talent. Yves Bissouma is the most well known but his career has had its ups and downs since leaving Brighton. Kamory Doumbia has the highest upside as he is heavily involved for Ligue 1 surprise package Brest.
Central African Republic
Center Back/Defensive Midfielder Marseille Geoffrey Kondogbia 1993; 13 app 7.1 avg rating
Once thought to be part of the future of France’s midfield, Geoffrey Kondogba’s career never really panned out that way. Now that he represents his ancestral nation at the international level, he’s Central African Republic’s biggest star by a mile. Like with Armenia and Henrikh Mkhitaryan, this is a massive longshot but I would be happy to see Kondogbia lead this nation to a World Cup.
CONMEBOL
Argentina
Left Back Lens Facundo Medina 1999; 14 app 7.2 avg rating
Center Midfielder Valencia Enzo Barrenechea 2001; 12 app 1 goal 1 assist 6.9 avg rating
Left Winger Como Nico Paz 2004; 17 app 3 goals 3 assists 7.4 avg rating
Forward Atlético Madrid Julian Alvarez 2000; 18 app 5 goals 2 assists 6.9 avg rating
Forward Lazio Valentin Castellanos 1998; 16 app 7 goals 1 assist 7.3 avg rating
Forward Bologna Santiago Castro 2004; 17 app 4 goals 4 assists 6.8 avg rating
Argentina seems to find fullbacks from the most unlikely of places, and Facundo Medina seems to be cut from a similar cloth as Nicolas Tagliafico and capable of contributing at a similar level. The midfielder and forward spots are always competitive for this national team, so I highlighted some interesting players that should be in the mix. World Cup winner Julian Alvarez is taking full advantage of stepping out of Haaland’s shadow at Manchester City and is arguably the alpha of the strike partnership with Antoine Griezmann. Castellanos has made the leap from MLS to lead the line for a Serie A powerhouse, and young Paz and Castro are already skilled players with lethal strikes.
Uruguay
Goalkeeper Sporting CP Franco Israel 2000; 10 app 7 clean sheets 7.1 avg rating
Center Back Wolves Santiago Bueno 1998; 12 app 6.4 avg rating
Left Back Napoli Mathias Olivera 1997; 18 app 1 assist 7.2 avg rating
Center Midfielder Manchester United Manuel Ugarte 2001; 13 app 6.7 avg rating
Forward Liverpool Darwin Nunez 1999; 14 app 2 goals 2 assists 6.8 avg rating
Early returns suggest Franco Israel is a capable successor to Fernando Muslera. Uruguay is regaining the depth they used to have in the early 2010s at depth, with Bueno and Olivera in that mix. Santiago Bueno will have to stay competitive though as Wolves have some stiff competitive for their back three. Nunez’s got a larger Premier League sample size than Ugarte, but both appear to be on rollercoaster rides. Uruguay will hope they end on inclines by the time the World Cup comes around. In Darwin Nunez’s case, it would likely require getting off of his current goal tally as soon as possible.
Ecuador
Center Back Bayer Leverkusen Piero Hincapie 2002; 15 app 1 goal 7.0 avg rating
Center Back PSG Willian Pacho 2001; 14 app 1 assist 7.4 avg rating
Left Back Brighton Pervis Estupinan 1998; 15 app 1 assist 6.9 avg rating
Attacking Midfielder Chelsea* Kendry Páez 2007; 23 app 10 goal contributions 8.2 avg rating for Independiente del Valle
Right Winger Venezia John Yeboah 2000; 14 app 1 assist 6.4 avg rating
Right Winger Burnley Jeremy Sarmiento 2002; 17 app 2 goals 6.8 avg rating
Ecuador have the foundation to build one of, possibly the, strongest defense in South America. While Hincapie and Estupinan are more established names, Willian Pacho’s rise at PSG this season has been astronomical. Yeboah and Sarmiento have shown promise for the national team but will look to rise up the ranks at club level. Everyone should be excited (cautiously, because it’s Chelsea) to see what Kendry Paez can bring to Europe when he arrives in Summer 2025. Either way, Ecuador is already building around him especially as he got valuable experience at the 2024 Copa America.
Colombia
Goalkeeper Empoli Devis Vasquez 1998; 18 app 5 clean sheets 2 pens saved 6.8 avg rating
Right Back Crystal Palace Daniel Munoz 1996; 18 app 2 goals 1 assist 7.3 avg rating
Center Back Bologna Jhon Lucumi 1998; 14 app 1 assist 6.7 avg rating
Left Back Mallorca Johan Mojica 1992; 18 app 1 goal 1 assist 7.0 avg rating
Defensive Midfielder Crystal Palace Jefferson Lerma 1994; 15 app 6.8 avg rating
Right Winger Girona Yaser Asprilla 2003; 10 app 1 goal 7.0 avg rating
Forward Aston Villa Jhon Duran 2003; 18 app 7 goals 6.6 avg rating
After being built up as a worthy contender in the 2024 Copa America, Colombia did not disappoint. They beat Brazil and Ecuador en route to a finals loss to Argentina. Colombia’s quality and depth is improving all over the board with more players making the move from South American leagues across the Atlantic. Jhon Duran has gotten mostly positive, albeit one big negative, headlines contributed a hatfull of goals despite the presence of Ollie Watkins. Yaser Asprilla became the record signing for Girona, so much is expected of him after a decent start to life in Spain.
Brazil
Goalkeeper Lyon Lucas Perri 1997; 15 app 5 clean sheets 7.3 avg rating
Left Back Monaco Vanderson 2001; 12 app 1 goal 1 assist 7.3 avg rating
Center Midfielder Strasbourg Andrey Santos 2004; 14 app 6 goals 7.7 avg rating
Center Midfielder Atalanta Ederson 1999; 18 app 2 goals 1 assist 7.4 avg rating
Forward Real Betis Vitor Roque 2005; 15 app 4 goals 6.7 avg rating
Brazil has certain positions locked in with talent and youth, but there’s always competition lurking elsewhere on the pitch. With Alisson and Ederson experiencing injuries, suddenly the third goalkeeper for Brazil is looking more important. Lucas Perri could be that guy as long as he continues his strong play for Lyon despite that club’s turmoil off the pitch. Wanderson is emerging as a strong candidate to fill the fullback weakness. Ederson is establishing himself more with a successful Europa League campaign last season and becoming even more integral to Atalanta’s build up play. Andrey Santos and Vitor Roque are some of the next bright Brazilian talents. However, Santos will have a tough time breaking into Chelsea’s deep squad even with his talent already at his age.
Paraguay
Goalkeeper New York Red Bulls Carlos Coronel 1996; 32 app 7 clean sheets 6.9 avg rating
Center Back Getafe Omar Alderete 1996; 17 app 7.2 avg rating
Forward Brighton Julio Enciso 2004; 11 app 6.5 avg rating
Forward Torino Antonio Sanabria 1996; 15 app 2 goals 6.2 avg rating
Brighton have done a great job collecting hidden gems, and Julio Enciso continue to dazzle. He’s got incredible technical ability and will only get better especially in Brighton’s system. The only thing stopping him is the Seagulls’ competition for minutes in that loaded midfield. Carlos Coronel may have been dropped as starting goalkeeper during the Copa America, but his impressive performances for New York Red Bulls keep him in the conversation. In order to have any chance of qualifying for their first World Cup since 2010, Antonio Sanabria has to recapture his finishing touch that put him on the European radar earlier in his career.
Bolivia
Center Back Atlanta United Efrain Morales 2004; 15 app 1 goal 1 assist 6.3 avg rating
Efrain Morales has mainly played in the MLS Next Pro level, but he’s one of the few Bolivian players outside of Bolivia’s domestic league. More eyes will be on Atlanta United after knocking Inter Miami out of the playoffs last season, so if Morales breaks through, we’ll get a better idea on a potential gem for the Bolivians
Venezuela
Right Back Real Sociedad Jon Aramburu 2002; 16 app 7.3 avg rating
Holding Midfielder Girona Yangel Herrera 1998; 12 app 2 goals 1 assist 7.2 avg rating
Forward Pachuca Salomon Rondon 1989; 13 app 5 goals 2 assists 6.9 avg rating
Here’s a trivia question most people get wrong because they assume the answer is Bolivia. Who is the only CONMEBOL nation not to appear in a World Cup? Depending on who you ask, that distinction belonging to Venezuela may or may not be surprising. They have a chance to end that drought thanks to this trio of players. Aramburu and Herrera are foundational pieces to the rise of Real Sociedad and Girona respectively. Salomon Rondon is in his Jamie Vardy era getting better with age as a goalscorer for club and country.
Chile
Goalkeeper Swansea City Lawrence Vigouroux 1993; 24 app 6 clean sheets 6.9 avg rating
Center Back Torino Guillermo Maripan 1994; 8 app 6.6 avg rating
Center Midfielder Norwich City Marcelino Nunez 2000; 17 app 3 goals 1 assist 7.2 avg rating
Forward Southampton Ben Brereton Diaz 1999; 10 app 6.2 avg rating
Guillermo Maripan has carved a solid European career ever since his Monaco days, but the next players up are currently in the EFL Championship. There’s a void at goalkeeper that Lawrence Vigoroux hasn’t been able to step into, but if Swansea City gets into the promotion playoffs, maybe that conversation reopens. I just can’t figure out how Ben Brereton Díaz fell off since leaving Blackburn Rovers but there’s still a player in there somewhere. If things don’t turn around for Brereton Diaz, that could be a cautionary tale for Nunez although he’s become one of Norwich City’s best players.
Peru
Center Midfielder Leganés Renato Tapia 1995; 16 app 1 goal 6.8 avg rating
Forward Cagliari Gianluca Lapadula 1990; 10 app 6.2 avg rating
Peru’s player currently playing at the highest level is the experienced all around midfielder Tapia and crafty forward Lapadula. However, they’re already at or past the peaks of their power. It indicates how Peru have fallen back down the South American pecking order.
CONCACAF
Hosts
Canada
Right Back Celtic Alistair Johnston 1998; 16 app 4 goals 4 assists 7.8 avg rating
Center Back Nice Moise Bombito 2000; 13 app 1 assist 6.8 avg rating
Right Winger Inter Milan Tajon Buchanan 1999; 4 app 6.2 avg rating
Forward Mallorca Cyle Larin 1995; 16 app 5 goals 2 assists 6.5 avg rating
If the 2024 Copa America is anything to go by (for the World Cup hosts, it’s almost EVERYTHING to go by), Canada are the best set up for a quarterfinal or similarly deep run. The main duo of Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David speak for themselves, but this next tier of talent is going to take Canada to the next level. Moise Bombito has made a strong transition from Colorado Rapids to Nice and Cyle Larin is having his best domestic season in a while. Tajon Buchanan could use a move away from Inter Milan, even on loan, to get more minutes.
Mexico
Goalkeeper Athletic Bilbao Alex Padilla 2003; 5 app 6.5 avg rating
Goalkeeper America Luis Malagon 1997; 23 app 7 clean sheets 6.9 avg rating
Center Back Genoa Johan Vasquez 1998; 17 app 6.6 avg rating
Defensive Midfielder West Ham Edson Alvarez 1997; 15 app 6.5 avg rating
Forward Feyenoord Santiago Giménez 2001; 9 app 6 goals 1 assist 7.3 avg rating
Forward Fulham Raul Jimenez 1991; 19 app 6 goals 2 assists 6.9 avg rating
Guillermo Ochoa could STILL be Mexico’s goalkeeper, but realistically (and in the wishes of most Mexican fans), it’s time for a new name on that number 1 shirt. Malagon has the inside track as he gets more playing time and is more experienced, but maybe Padilla will get a backup spot for 2026 and then who knows from there. The rest of these players are the key Mexican players that are competing at high levels in Europe. Hopefully this number goes up by the time the World Cup goes around. The biggest thing that could give Mexico some hope of relative success as hosts would be if both Giménez and Jimenez could get hot in front of goal at the same time.
United States
Right Back Borussia Monchengladbach Joe Scally 2002; 15 app 6.7 avg rating
Left Back Fulham Antonee Robinson 1997; 19 app 7 assists 7.5 avg rating
Defensive Midfielder Bournemouth Tyler Adams 1999; 9 app 6.9 avg rating
Center Midfielder Bologna Gianluca Busio 2002; 15 app 1 goal 6.8 avg rating
Center Midfielder Juventus Weston McKennie 1998; 12 app 2 goals 2 assits 6.9 avg rating
Right Winger Club America Alejandro Zendejas 1998; 19 app 4 goals 5 assits 7.3 avg rating
The United States is experiencing the most player in Europe its ever had, but quantity hasn’t translated to success at the international stage. Quality is key, and that starts with getting more minutes which is something these players have all achieved. Transfer decisions will be key, such as will Antonee Robinson give up a guaranteed starting spot at Fulham to pursue a bigger club? Weston McKennie was considered Persona Non Grata at Juventus this past summer only to turn that narrative completely around with an impressive start to this season. Also, you have wildcards like Alejandro Zendejas winning trophies in Liga MX but may need to move on to move up in the pecking order. Finally, please stay healthy Tyler Adams! Andoni Iraola downplayed the severity of his latest injury setback and for USA’s sake, I hope he’s right.
Group A
Honduras
Left Winger Celtic Luis Palma 2000; 5 app 6.6 avg rating
Despite Luis Palma’s limited gametime with Celtic this season, the 24-year-old continues the seldom treaded path of Honduran players in the United Kingdom following the likes of Maynor Figueroa, Wilson Palacios, and Roger Espinoza.
Group B
Costa Rica
Forward Hearts Kenneth Vargas 2002; 20 app 2 goals 1 assist 6.3 avg rating
Forward New York City Alonso Martinez 1998; 30 app 17 goals 3 assists 7.1 avg rating.
Most of Costa Rica’s top CONCACAF adversaries such as Mexico and the United States would describe Costa Rica as tough to break down. These days, the most dangerous part of Los Ticos is their attacking threats. It’s telling that Vargas’s struggles have coincided with Hearts’s slow start to the Scottish Premier League season, because he was a key reason they even qualified for the Conference League this term. While tearing up MLS is usually good enough for Costa Rica, might Martinez be tempted with a move to Europe like his NYC FC predecessor Valentin Castellanos?
Trinidad and Tobago
Forward AEK Athens Levi García 1997; 12 app 4 goals 2 assists
Unless AEK Athens qualify for Europe for the 2025–26 campaign, there will be few chances to see Levi García in action. Nevertheless, he remains Trinidad and Tobago’s biggest star player with his ability to create quality chances for himself and others.
Group C
Curaçao
Goalkeeper Cercle Brugge Eloy Room 1989
The former Columbus Crew goalkeeper is a backup in Belgium without an appearance yet this season. At 35 years old, he hasn’t given up on his World Cup dream and can still be one of Curacao’s key figures for this qualifying cycle.
Haiti
Forward Birmingham Legion Ronaldo Damus 36 app 14 goals 2 assists 6.9 avg rating
A prolific goalscorer at the USL Championship level that won the title with Colorado Springs Switchback in 2024. Damus’s parent club GIF Sundsvall loaned him out to Birmingham Legion for the 2025 season. Wherever he goes in the United States, his goals will be as crucial for club as country.
Group D
Panama
Center Back Marseille Michael Murillo 1996; 15 app 7.0 avg rating
Center Back Norwich City Jose Cordoba 2001; 18 app 1 goal 6.6 avg rating
Attacking Midfielder Houston Dynamo Adalberto Carrasquilla 1998; 29 app 3 goals 5 assists 7.0 avg rating
The way CONCACAF qualifiers get, you need top quality defenders to win the war of attrition. Panama are specialists in that regard and it shows when their two best center backs play in Europe. A lot of offensive responsibilities fall on Adalberto “Coco” Carrasquilla for club and country, especially as Hector Herrera departs Houston Dynamo. He could’ve been more productive than 8 goal contributions but the Dynamo still impressed en route to a playoff berth. Those numbers have to go up in 2025 though.
Group E
Guatemala
Goalkeeper Columbus Crew Nicholas Hagen 1996; 4 app 6.9 avg rating
Despite the presence of Patrick Schulte between the sticks in Columbus, manager Wilfred Nancy has shown faith in the Guatemalan shot-stopper in the Leagues Cup campaign where the Crew were victorious. Hagen will get some more opportunities and has to continue to make the most of them. The ideal alternative from a Guatemalan perspective, you guessed it, is a loan for more playing time.
Jamaica
Goalkeeper Philadelphia Union Andre Blake 1990; 14 app 3 clean sheets 6.9 avg rating
Center Back West Brom Mason Holgate 1996; 12 app 1 goal 6.9 avg rating
Center Back Brentford Ethan Pinnock 1993; 16 app 2 goals 6.6 avg rating
Winger Aston Villa Leon Bailey 1997; 16 app 2 assists 6.7 avg rating
Forward West Ham Michail Antonio 1990; 14 app 1 goal 1 assist 6.4 avg rating
Aside from Andre Blake (injury plagued this season but consistently among the best MLS goalkeepers since his debut season), these are among the biggest names of Jamaican internationals who made their debut during a wave of English Jamaicans declaring for their ancestral nation. Having three current Premier League players and four with any Premier League experience automatically gives you a leg up on most of CONCACAF. As long as they can keep Leon Bailey happy, Jamaica have a great chance to return to the World Cup for the first time since 1998. Bailey can’t coast on reputation alone though. He needs to step up because when he’s at his best, he’s a joy to watch and makes Aston Villa even better than they already are. Sadly, Michail Antonio suffered a broken leg in a car accident and will miss several months at least. He is the biggest reason I am rooting for Jamaica to qualify for the World Cup and I hope he recovers well enough to get a spot in that roster come 2026, even if he will be 36.
Group F
Suriname
Right Back Middlesbrough Anfernee Dijksteel 1996; 16 app 1 goal 1 assist 7.0 avg rating
Forward Real Sociedad Sheraldo Becker 1995; 15 app 1 goal 6.4 avg rating
Suriname’s presence in CONCACAF instead of CONMEBOL could finally start to bear fruit as they aim to recruit more Dutch players with Surinamese ancestry. Anfernee Dijksteel is a long time Middlesbrough defender who represented Netherlands at youth level but his career never progressed enough to get on Oranje’s radar. Sheraldo Becker on the other hand wouldn’t be out of place among the Dutch ranks, parlaying a strong showing in Union Berlin into a move to Real Sociedad.
OFC
New Zealand
Left Back Empoli Liberato Cacace 2000; 14 app 1 goal 2 assists 6.7 avg rating
Forward Nottingham Forest Chris Wood 1991; 19 app 11 goals 1 assist 7.1 avg rating
We end this world tour at…well…the end of the world! If you went from west to east on a map. The two brightest stars among the Kiwis are wonderkid turned quality Serie A fullback Liberato Cacace and Nottingham Forest fan favorite striker Chris Wood. Wood is enjoying his best ever Premier League season scoring timely goals during a campaign to remember for the club. With OFC now getting a full spot guaranteed at the World Cup, we will get to know New Zealand a lot better going forward. That can only be a good thing if more chaos is in store like in 2010.
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