The 2026 World Cup has seen several lesser-known players shine in the opening rounds. Here is our XI of the tournament's standout performers so far, excluding the biggest superstars.
Goalkeeper: Vozinha (Cape Verde)
A star was born at age 40 when Josimar 'Vozinha', whose highest-profile club was Portugal's Gil Vicente, denied Spain's all-stars in a historic 0-0 draw. His Christian name hinted at cult hero status. His impact was so huge that US authorities, on the orders of House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, waived the visa fee and $15,000 bond for his mother, allowing her to fly in for his continued adventures. Seven saves against Spain made him a global social media sensation.
Right-back: Vladimir Coufal (Czechia)
With set-piece football voguish, long-throw experts are at a premium. Coufal, 33, now at Hoffenheim, is widely recalled as a West Ham player. The Hammers let go the man with the golden arm who created his country's best chances and their goal against South Korea. In North America, he has been employed as a wingback in a team embodying the physical approach of European mid-rankers.
Centre-back: Chancel Mbemba (DR Congo)
The passage of time means tougher tasks than denying Cristiano Ronaldo a goal, but Portugal still possess high attacking class. DR Congo closed every door. Mbemba, a Lille defender formerly of Newcastle and Marseille, led the defensive effort as his country secured their first ever World Cup finals point. Statistics show Ronaldo made 47 offers to receive the ball but got it only 10 times, as Mbemba covered off the space.
Centre-back: Wilfried Singo (Côte d'Ivoire)
Ecuador took a painful lesson in Philadelphia, hitting the woodwork before succumbing to a late Amad Diallo goal. The architect was Galatasaray's Singo, surging forward from defence to set up the winner. Earlier, his running battle with Ecuador striker Enner Valencia set the tone. He also attempted an ambitious bicycle kick.
Left-back: Richie Laryea (Canada)
Canada's buildup was dominated by fitness doubts over captain Alphonso Davies. Jesse Marsch has not needed to risk his talismanic left-back thanks to Laryea, who usually plays on the right. The Toronto FC defender provides the attacking threat Marsch demands, notably in the 6-0 takedown of Qatar. Davies's absence need not be a hindrance.
Midfielder: Ayyoub Bouaddi (Morocco)
He declared for Morocco on 15 May, but the France-born Lille midfielder's performances against Brazil and Scotland confirmed his reputation as one of the most promising players. Almost every elite club is linked with the 18-year-old who pairs physical presence with innate reading of the game. Casemiro and Scott McTominay have been found wanting. 'A masterclass,' said captain Achraf Hakimi.
Midfielder: Johan Manzambi (Switzerland)
Granit Xhaka was unhappy with Switzerland's substitutes in their 1-1 draw with Qatar. Without naming Manzambi, the captain lamented lost discipline. Manzambi's impact off the bench against Bosnia and Herzegovina was emphatic. Xhaka denied the Freiburg forward a hat-trick by taking a late penalty, marking that discipline and the collective remain key.
Midfielder: Yasin Ayari (Sweden)
At the heart of Sweden's commanding opening performance against Tunisia, scoring two goals, was the Brighton midfielder, replicating early-season club form lost to injury. Ayari pairs creativity with energy and aggression. 'That's why I didn't celebrate, because I feel a lot for the country,' he explained after scoring against his father's birth country. He will cost a significant fee.
Right-winger: Elijah Just (New Zealand)
Chris Wood, expected to score New Zealand's goals, turned supplier for both of Just's against Iran. Just's first came from neat control of Wood's flick followed by a thunderous finish; the second involved a run from midfield and an even better finish. The Motherwell man is coming off a fine Scottish Premiership season and has alerted suitors far and wide.
Forward: Folarin Balogun (USA)
For the hosts, Balogun has been the star. The native New Yorker has been at the core of Mauricio Pochettino's high-transition, speed-demon attack. 'The kid's insane,' said Christian Pulisic, who was benched against Australia as a precaution. Balogun's burst of speed and delivery caused panic for Cameron Burgess's opening own goal as progress to the last 32 was secured.
Left-winger: Julián Quiñones (Mexico)
In Javier Aguirre's pragmatic Mexico team, still top of Group A with two wins, Quiñones has been the brightest spark. The 29-year-old Colombia-born winger set the co-hosts on their way inside 10 minutes of the opener at the Azteca and later tried to lob South Africa's Ronwen Williams from very long range.
