4 FIFA World Cup Players Impacting the Tournament Winner

For the World Cup favorites, very little separates the teams.

All possess quality rosters from top to bottom. Compared to some of the chasers, they enjoy a significant personnel advantage.

But when you compare teams like England, France and Brazil, the margins become finer. Often, breakout performances from individual players define the difference.

Here are four World Cup players from contending teams that could directly impact the tournament winner.

4 Players to Watch at the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Michael Olise, France

Compared to some of his French teammates, Olise lacks experience on the global stage. He takes over as the central attacking midfielder for Antoine Griezmann, who retired.

Kylian Mbappe serves as the focal point of France’s attack. The unit also features Ousmane Dembele, a Champions League winner with Paris Saint-Germain.

Olise has enjoyed two strong seasons with Bayern Munich since leaving Crystal Palace. Last year, he combined for 27 goals and assists. Through 32 matches this year, he amassed 34.

If Olise’s creativity continues into the tournament, it likely coincides with a deep France run.

Gonçalo Inácio, Portugal

Even casual soccer fans will recognize some of the names on Portugal’s starting lineup.

Outside Cristiano Ronaldo, the Starting XI also features Bernardo Silva, Rafael Leao and Bruno Fernandes.

A deep run for Portugal at the World Cup likely stems from a brilliant defensive record.

Ruben Dias and Nuno Mendes anchor the left side of a back four. Inacio plays for Sporting CP in Portugal and played for three winning sides.

At age 24, he lacks experience for the national team. But if he helps anchor one of the better defenses, Portugal could contend for the title.

Donyell Malen, Netherlands

Ronald Koeman’s defense offers one of the most stable units in the entire tournament. Just the players on the bench could form a starting unit for virtually any other country.

The question for the Netherlands: How does the attack match that consistency?

Memphis Depay, a regular starter at prior tournaments, will arrive dealing with lingering injuries. Xavi Simons’ knee injury also leaves Koeman lacking depth on the wings.

Malen likely takes over as the central striker in the Starting XI. This year, he spent time with Aston Villa and Roma. He found strong form in Italy, scoring 13 goals to match a career high.

If the form continues into the summer and the defense holds up, watch out for the Dutch.

Nico O’Reilly, England

It will shock me if England makes a deep run in spite of the defense.

Lots of personnel turnover is expected within Thomas Tuchel’s XI. Normal right back Trent Alexander-Arnold likely falls out of the lineup while Luke Shaw leaves a hole at left back.

O’Reilly, at age 21, will be one of the youngest players at the tournament. The Manchester City product appeared in only three senior matches with the Three Lions, too.

If he fills the Shaw gap seamlessly and posts strong performances against actually good attacks, I like England’s ceiling at the tournament.