The 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada will be a thrilling showcase of international football.

It will be a platform for players to showcase their talents. That point is particularly pertinent for younger players who may not have previously featured in the tournament.

However, the upcoming World Cup will also provide an opportunity for established players to demonstrate they are worthy of the status they hold in the sport.

With that in mind, read on as we look at three players who desperately need to make a statement this summer, starting with one of Africa’s top stars.

Mohamed Salah – Egypt

Mohamed Salah has been one of Liverpool’s best players in recent years, helping them win several major trophies. However, success has eluded him at international level.

The 33-year-old leads Egypt’s attack through direct involvement in chance creation and decision making in the final third. In simple terms, he is their talisman.

His four goals and one assist at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco reaffirmed the belief that he still has what it takes to lead Hossam Hassan’s men to a decent World Cup outing.

The Arab World Cup betting platforms recommended by Arabworldcupbet rate Egypt as 5/1 shots to win their group, which may tempt punters from the region.

Egypt’s progression to the knockout stage depends on his ability to make impactful decisions in group phase games against Belgium, Iran and New Zealand.

Age has triggered a subtle change in his style of play. He now prefers to stay in the right position rather than repeat explosive runs. The Liverpool forward handpicks moments, conserving strength to have a greater impact within decisive periods of the game.

This summer’s tournament is his last chance to make a meaningful contribution on the biggest stage.

Cristiano Ronaldo – Portugal

Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the greatest players of all-time. However, his record with Portugal at previous World Cup tournaments leaves a lot to be desired.

He has made twenty-two appearances across five editions, but has never played in the final. He will be desperate to go all the way this summer.

The 41-year-old’s style of play has evolved into positional intelligence, finishing and psychological presence.

Portugal’s squad quality has taken away the dependency on his goals, with Bruno Fernandes, Bernardo Silva and a new generation capable of creating moments.

This allows Ronaldo to stay central, targeting decisive opportunities rather than leading continuous attacking responsibility.

On the positive side, Ronaldo’s absence during recent friendlies showed that Portugal are capable of fluid movement without him. However, his presence offers leadership, composure and an unmatched scoring instinct inside the eighteen-yard box.

Those elements will define Portugal’s approach, where his presence must enhance rather than stop collective rhythm.

The World Cup remains the only competition where Ronaldo is not amongst the best, as his knockout stage influence has been hugely underwhelming.

Declan Rice – England

Declan Rice heads into his second World Cup under a different form of pressure, where market valuation, tactical evolution and England’s pursuit of success all come together.

His role has gone from shielding the backline to a box-to-box function under Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta, increasing his influence across both phases of play.

He is now required to churn out consistent ball progression, take set-pieces, create chances and shield the defence.

Thomas Tuchel has also brought this club level transition to the Three Lions, increasing his responsibilities. England’s squad profile supports his approach. They have several players who are good in the air.

Tactical planning will likely integrate this strength as a central component of England’s play, particularly in matches where open-play opportunities are hard to come by.

Talks around his transfer fee to Arsenal persist, caused by expectations that financial investment must generate tangible success for both club and country.

To make this happen, Rice must impose authority within games, dictating tempo and controlling transitions against high-calibre opposition.

His performance ceiling directly influences England’s ability to progress beyond the near-miss pattern that has become a recurring issue in major tournaments.

Leadership is another critical dimension, with Rice increasingly positioned as a central voice within the squad. His experience in high-pressure environments helps him to manage in-game scenarios, ensuring composure during pivotal moments.

The World Cup will determine if Rice can showcase his technical quality, and success would validate his status within the elite tier of midfielders.