Zlatko Dalić has been Croatia’s national team manager since 2017, guiding the side to second and third place at the 2018 and 2022 World Cups and anchoring the team’s long-term Wor…

Zagreb, Zagreb

Figure Figure Profile

Luis Díaz: Colombia’s winger at Bayern Munich and a World Cup figure to watch

Luis Díaz is a Colombian winger who plays for Bayern Munich and the Colombia national team, making him a player of interest as World Cup 2026 coverage builds.

Colombia

Figure On the whistle at the top

Clément Turpin: The referee trusted with football’s biggest fixtures

Clément Turpin, a FIFA-listed referee since 2010 and UEFA Elite official since 2012, has overseen major finals and tournaments and remains a central figure in elite international …

France

Figure A World Cup legend in a new role

Fabio Cannavaro: World Cup-winning captain shaping a new path with Uzbekistan

Fabio Cannavaro, Italy's 2006 World Cup captain and Ballon d'Or winner, became Uzbekistan's head coach in October 2025, reintroducing one of football's most famous defenders into …

Uzbekistan

Figure Croatia’s midfield iron

Luka Modrić: the midfield architect whose career spans eras — and World Cups

Luka Modrić, Croatia’s captain and an acclaimed midfielder for AC Milan, has built a career from refugee beginnings to Ballon d’Or glory and appearances at every World Cup from 20…

Zadar

Figure Figure Profile

Thomas Tuchel: The tactician England turned to before World Cup 2026

Thomas Tuchel, appointed England manager in January 2025, built a reputation as a detail-driven tactician who has won major club trophies but also clashed with employers—making hi…

England

Figure The tactician behind France's modern era

Didier Deschamps: the understated captain-turned-coach who shaped a generation

Didier Deschamps, France’s long-serving coach and former captain, built his reputation on defensive clarity, steady leadership and rare dual success as both World Cup-winning play…

France

Figure Referee on the rise

Pierre Atcho: Gabonese referee stepping onto the World Cup stage

Gabonese referee Pierre Atcho, on the FIFA International Referees List since 2018, has been named to FIFA’s 2026 World Cup roster after a string of high-profile assignments across…

Gabon

Figure From Płock to the biggest pitches

Szymon Marciniak: the referee behind football’s biggest finals and a 2026 spotlight

Polish referee Szymon Marciniak, known for handling the 2022 World Cup final and the 2023 Champions League final, is slated to officiate Argentina vs Algeria on 17 June at the 202…

Płock

Figure A figure who still shapes the story

Lionel Messi: How football’s most decorated player will shape World Cup 2026 coverage

Lionel Messi is football’s most decorated player and a 2022 World Cup winner; his records, awards and cultural influence mean his presence — or absence — will be a major storyline…

Rosario

Figure World Cup figure profile

Kylian Mbappé: France’s defining forward and a focal point for World Cup 2026 coverage

Kylian Mbappé, France’s captain and Real Madrid forward, is a generational talent whose pace and goals have shaped two World Cup finals — and who will be central to any narrative …

Paris

Figure Figure Profile

Erling Haaland: the striker modern football built to watch

Erling Haaland is a goal machine for Manchester City and Norway whose record-breaking club and international scoring makes him a focal figure for World Cup 2026 coverage.

Manchester

Figure Captain, scorer, and lightning wing-back

Achraf Hakimi: Morocco’s talisman and a defining presence for World Cup 2026

Achraf Hakimi, Paris Saint‑Germain right-back and captain of Morocco, is a three‑time World Cup squad member whose speed, attacking drive and big‑game moments make him central to …

Morocco

Figure The enduring figure who still shapes Portugal's story

Cristiano Ronaldo: Why the global icon still matters to World Cup 2026 coverage

Cristiano Ronaldo remains football’s most decorated goalscorer and Portugal’s captain; his records, global reach and late-career moves make him a key figure for World Cup 2026 cov…

Funchal

Figure From teenage substitute to global midfield star

Jude Bellingham: the midfield force shaping England’s narrative for World Cup 2026

Jude Bellingham’s ascent from Birmingham City prodigy to Real Madrid talisman — plus a shelf of awards — makes him a central figure to watch in World Cup 2026 coverage.

England

Figure From Mogadishu to the world stage

Omar Artan: the Somali referee whose World Cup dream collided with U.S. immigration rules

Omar Artan rose from Somali domestic leagues to historic continental finals and FIFA tournaments; selected for the 2026 World Cup, he was later turned away from the U.S.

Mogadishu

Figure Mexico's steady anchor

Edson Álvarez: The defensive core shaping Mexico’s World Cup 2026 hopes

Edson Álvarez, Mexico’s captain and a versatile defensive midfielder or centre-back now on loan at Fenerbahçe from West Ham, has combined European experience and international lea…

Tlalnepantla de Baz

Figure Veteran striker, Mexico's forward linchpin

Raúl Jiménez: the resilient scorer shaping Mexico’s World Cup conversation

Raúl Jiménez, a veteran Mexican striker and third on his country's all-time scoring list, combines club experience and resilience—making him a focal figure in Mexico's World Cup 2…

Mexico

Figure El Vasco at the helm

Javier Aguirre: The veteran 'El Vasco' steering Mexico's World Cup story

Javier Aguirre, nicknamed El Vasco, is Mexico’s national team manager whose long playing and managerial career — from Club América striker to La Liga and international coach — sha…

Mexico City

Figure World Cup figure profile

Alireza Faghani: a high‑stakes referee whose badge now bridges Iran and Australia

Alireza Faghani, an Iranian‑born referee now listed by FIFA as Australian, combines a résumé of finals and World Cup appointments with recent political visibility that has made hi…

Australia

Figure From Calgary sidelines to the global pitch

Drew Fischer: The Canadian referee heading to World Cup 2026

Drew Fischer, a Canadian referee with FIFA status since 2015 and back-to-back MLS Referee of the Year awards, was announced as a referee for the 2026 World Cup, bringing on-field …

Calgary