World Cup Watch: Stars Under Pressure as Finals Approach

As the world gears up for the 2026 World Cup, set to be the first 48-team finals hosted across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, AFP Sports highlights five key stars whose current form and fitness could significantly impact their nations' chances. The tournament, while expanded, still hinges on the brilliance of its established global icons.

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Mbappe took the tournament by storm as a teenager in France's 2018 World Cup win.

Kylian Mbappe, the French sensation, carries the weight of expectation not only to lead Les Bleus but also to potentially become the all-time leading World Cup goalscorer. However, his recent season at Real Madrid has been marred by inconsistency and questions surrounding his commitment, despite his undeniable talent. His World Cup record is already stellar, but he needs to recapture his 2018 form to surpass Miroslav Klose's mark.

Norway's Erling Haaland is set to make his long-awaited World Cup debut. After an astonishing qualifying campaign where he scored 16 goals in eight games, his presence is a major boost for a Norwegian side tipped as dark horses. Yet, Haaland's team faces a daunting Group I alongside France and Senegal, demanding peak performance from their star striker.

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He needs just four more to match Miroslav Klose's record of 16 World Cup goals.

For Brazil, all eyes will be on Vinicius Junior. While Neymar's return garners attention, Vinicius has the opportunity to cement his legacy and potentially win the Ballon d'Or he feels he deserves. His World Cup record, however, is less impressive than his club achievements, and he must translate his club form onto the international stage to help Brazil secure a sixth star.

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Haaland is the poster boy for a golden generation of Norwegian players, including Arsenal captain Martin Odegaard, that have been tipped as dark horses.

Finally, England captain Harry Kane enters what is likely his last World Cup campaign. Fresh off a record-breaking season with Bayern Munich, where he scored 58 goals in 50 games, Kane has been instrumental in England's rise as a consistent contender. The Three Lions will rely heavily on his leadership and goal-scoring prowess to finally end their 60-year wait for World Cup glory.

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But Norway will need their star striker in top form after being handed a tough draw alongside France and African champions Senegal in Group I.