The FIFA World Cup 2026 is finally here, and football fans all over the world are gearing up for one of the most anticipated tournaments ever. The tournament begins on June 11 with co-hosts Mexico taking on South Africa in Mexico City.
There are numerous reasons why this year’s World Cup is special. It is the first tournament to feature 48 teams, more countries, more players, and the world’s largest football stage. A number of young stars will make their World Cup debuts, but several legendary captains are preparing to lead their countries once more.
Some of these leaders have already made unforgettable memories at the World Cup, while others are chasing one more dream before their international careers end.
Here’s a look at five of the biggest captains who will be in the limelight at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
5. Luka Modric (Croatia)
Luka Modric is almost 40 years old now but his fitness is showing that he is ready to play his fifth FIFA World Cup. The 2018 Ballon d’Or winner remains one of the most respected midfielders in football history. He was a big part of Croatia’s amazing run to the 2018 World Cup final.
Modrić has two goals and one assist in 19 World Cup appearances. He was also key in Croatia’s memorable 2018 run with some dramatic knockout wins.
This year, Croatia will take on England, Panama and Ghana in Group L. Once again, fans will look to Modrić for inspiration, as he leads his country on the biggest stage in football.
4. Kylian Mbappe (France)
Kylian Mbappé has had such a huge impact at the World Cup at such a young age; very few players have done that. The France captain has scored 12 World Cup goals in just 14 games already. At just 27, he was already one of the most prolific scorers in the history of the tournament.
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He made headlines in 2018 when he became the first teenager in 60 years to score two goals in a World Cup final. Four years later he scored a hat-trick in the final but was on the losing side.
Now captain’s armband in hand, the Real Madrid star will be hoping to lead France to another world title. France start their campaign in Group I against Senegal, Norway and Iraq.
If Mbappe has another strong tournament, he could move closer to breaking several World Cup scoring records.
3. Harry Kane (England)
England captain Harry Kane is in fine form ahead of the tournament. The Bayern Munich striker has 78 international goals – the most of any English player. He has also netted eight World Cup goals and remains one of the most dependable forwards in world football.
Kane comes to the tournament on the back of a superb club season, netting 61 times for Bayern Munich. England fans will be hoping he can take that form into the World Cup.
England has not won the tournament since 1966 and the pressure to end that long wait remains huge. England face Croatia, Panama and Ghana in Group L, with Kane once again the man leading the attack.
His experience and leadership could be vital if England are to mount a challenge for the trophy.
2. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal)
Cristiano Ronaldo is still writing football history. The Portugal captain will be playing in his sixth FIFA World Cup – another incredible record. He’s also the oldest captain at this tournament, at 41. Ronaldo arrives at the tournament as football’s all-time leading scorer with 973 goals for club and country. After two decades at the very top, his hunger for success is undimmed.
Portugal start their World Cup campaign in Group K against Colombia, Uzbekistan and the DR Congo.
And Ronaldo still has one of the biggest goals of his career left: the FIFA World Cup. If he scores in this tournament, he can be the first male player ever to score in six different World Cup editions.
1. Lionel Messi (Argentina)
Lionel Messi is the default choice for football captains. Argentina’s captain is playing what is expected to be his final game at a World Cup. Messi sealed one of the greatest careers in football history by winning the trophy in Qatar in 2022.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has netted over 900 goals in his career and is considered one of the best players in football history.
Messi has 13 World Cup goals; only three players have scored more. His vision, leadership and ability to come through in big moments still make him a game-changer.
Argentina has been drawn in Group J with Austria, Algeria and Jordan. The reigning champions will try to become the first team in 64 years to win successive World Cup titles. If they do that, the legend of Messi will become even bigger.
