Heading into the 2026 World Cup, aging icons Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo return for their sixth World Cup appearances. Messi remains Argentina's centerpiece at 38, while Ronaldo, now 41, faces questions about his necessity to Portugal. Both legends transition into their final major tournament cycle after vastly different paths since the Qatar games.

United States soccer underwent a volatile period, firing Gregg Berhalter twice before hiring Mauricio Pochettino in 2024. Christian Pulisic leads the attack after a productive stint at Milan, though the midfield core has fractured. Yunus Musah is off the roster, and Matthew Freese competes with Matt Turner for the starting goalkeeper spot in the U.S. national team.

Spain enters as a favorite following their 2024 Euro win, driven by 18-year-old sensation Lamine Yamal. Interestingly, Spain's 26-man roster features eight Barcelona players and zero from Real Madrid. Meanwhile, Canada has surged under Jesse Marsch, beating the U.S. twice in two years, while Mexico returns to veteran coach Javier Aguirre.

Brazil faces uncertainty as Neymar battles a calf injury after a tumultuous return to Santos. New manager Carlo Ancelotti must decide if the star fits into his plans. This tournament marks a shift in power as young talents like Yamal challenge the old guard's dominance on the world stage.