The 2026 FIFA World Cup is in full swing, with the group stage nearing its end after over two weeks of non-stop matches. Whether you are paying attention to the young stars or the veterans showing off their tricks and breaking records in their reported swan songs, the World Cup is keeping soccer fans around the globe entertained and attracting new viewers.
For skeptics of the game, the World Cup is a great opportunity to rally behind a team, support them, and feel the rush and thrill of soccer (or football) for the first time. And one of the incentives for non-fans is, of course, the players. There are 1,248 players taking part in this year's World Cup, more than ever before, and, of course, that means more than a few are catching people's eyes worldwide, whether on the pitch, off the pitch, or on the benches.
Online discourse about the most attractive players is at an all-time high, for many reasons. Of course, there are countless more players who would make the cut, but below, we have rounded up 15 of the hottest players under 30 in the FIFA World Cup 2026, in case some of them are not yet on your radar.
Jude Bellingham, 22, England
Playing as a midfielder for England and Real Madrid, Jude Bellingham is a headline, tweet, and edit magnet. Wherever the soon-to-be 23-year-old goes, attention follows, and we see why on and off the pitch.
Ferran Torres, 26, Spain
With his new longer hairdo, Spain and FC Barcelona's Ferran Torres has become one of the most viral sensations of the World Cup, amassing edits, tweets, and comparisons to Flynn Rider. Torres is also beloved for his relationships with his teammates, especially Pedri, and with his sister, with whom he shares matching tattoos.
Michael Olise, 24, France
If you've watched any of France's games, chances are Michael Olise has caught your attention. The London-born, French midfielder, who plays for Bayern Munich, is mesmerizing on the pitch and also racks up points for his nonchalance, consistently doing low-key celebrations and endearing fans and teammates with his pre-game pitch checks.
Nico Paz, 21, Argentina
Born in Tenerife, Spain, and playing for Argentina alongside Messi, following in his father's footsteps, who also participated in 1998, Nico Paz is also catching eyes during the World Cup. The 21-year-old is one to keep an eye out for even after the tournament is over, as he reportedly could be on the way to returning to Real Madrid.
Cho Gue-sung, 28, South Korea
Cho Gue-sung was a viral sensation during the 2022 World Cup, and the South Korean star deserves even more hype this time around. He makes his return to soccer after recovering from two surgeries and subsequent complications, which sidelined him for over a year.
Federico Viñas, 27, Uruguay
Uruguay's Federico Viñas, who plays as a forward for Real Oviedo in Spain, immediately went viral during his debut World Cup, getting the edit treatment right away.
Chemsdine Talbi, 21, Morocco
Born in Belgium and playing for Morocco, Chemsdine Talbi is one of the most lethal face cards of the World Cup, who's also been catching the attention of edit makers online. An unexpected thing about the Premier League player? He loves ping-pong.
Raphinha, 29, Brazil
Another face card in the World Cup is undoubtedly Raphinha. A family man, the FC Barcelona player has been the star of Calvin Klein ads and serves on the field while also delivering impeccable soccer with the Canarinha.
João Félix, 26, Portugal
João Félix is one of Portugal's hybrid threats, playing as both a forward and a midfielder alongside the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and João Neves. He's also an edit favorite, and it only takes a glimpse at his smile to know why.
Lucas Bergvall, 20, Sweden
Swedish midfielder Lucas Bergvall, who also plays for Tottenham Hotspur, is the subject of many edits racking up millions of views online. Soccer runs in Bergvall's veins: his father is a former goalkeeper and his older brother, Theo, is a professional right-back.
Joan Garcia, 25, Spain
FC Barcelona's goalkeeper Joan Garcia might not be in Spain's starting team just yet, but that's all the more reason to draw eyes to him. The focus on many viral edits online, Garcia got into goalkeeping following the footsteps of his older brother and has some impressive stats to boot.
Marcus Rashford, 28, England
Halloween-born Marcus Rashford is a hot topic of conversation during the World Cup, as many wonder what the next steps will be after his loan from Man United to Barcelona reportedly concludes. With a dashing smile, Rashford is dazzling viewers. Want to be even more impressed? He became a Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 2020 for his work fighting child food poverty in the UK during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Elijah Just, 26, New Zealand
Elijah Just, who plays as a winger for the Scottish Premiership club Motherwell as well as the New Zealand national team and is of Chinese and German ancestry, burst into the World Cup with a viral interview and a new record: he became New Zealander in history to score two goals in a World Cup game.
Yuito Suzuki, 24, Japan
Yuito Suzuki, the attacking midfielder or a winger for Japan and Bundesliga's SC Freiburg, should also be on your radar if he isn't yet. The 24-year-old recovered from a serious collarbone fracture just in time to join Japan in the World Cup.
Djed Spence, 25, England
Djed Spence, the right-back for England and Tottenham Hotspur, has been the talk of the town this World Cup and the center of many edits online. The 25-year-old is making headlines for his defensive skills and confident attitude on the pitch. (And he's known to favor a Starface pimple patch, so that's extra points in our books!)
