Kylian Mbappe

Kylian Mbappe

People look at a replica of the World Cup trophy as they visit the 'Epic Album' exhibition, the biggest football exhibition in Latin America that contains relics of legends such as Ronaldo, Cruyff, Pele and a collection of Mexican national team t-shirts, as the 2026 Fifa World Cup approaches in Mexico at the Museo Yancuic, in Mexico City, Mexico, on 15 May 2026. Photo: Reuters

5 stars ready to light up the World Cup

A look at five of the stars who must shoulder the burden of their nations' expectations in the first-ever 48-team finals spread across the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Benfica v Real Madrid - Estadio da Luz, Lisbon, Portugal - 17 February, 2026 Real Madrid's Kylian Mbappe with Benfica coach Jose Mourinho as the match was stopped due to racist chants. Photo: REUTERS/Pedro Nunes

Mbappe calls for Prestianni ban over alleged racist slur at Vinicius

Photo: Collected

Mbappé brace lifts Real Madrid to La Liga top with 2-0 win at Villarreal

Kylian Mbappe. Photo: Collected

Real Madrid not 'kamikaze' with Mbappe health: Alonso

Argentina deserved to win that final: Mbappe

Argentina deserved to win that final: Mbappe

Mbappe to wear iconic No. 10 shirt at Real Madrid, report says

Mbappe to wear iconic No. 10 shirt at Real Madrid, report says

Too soon to say if Mbappe will start against Dortmund, Alonso says

Too soon to say if Mbappe will start against Dortmund, Alonso says

Real edge Juventus to reach last eight as Mbappe starts Club World Cup

Real edge Juventus to reach last eight as Mbappe starts Club World Cup

Real boosted by Mbappe's return for Juventus clash at Club World Cup

Real boosted by Mbappe's return for Juventus clash at Club World Cup

Mbappe to miss Salzburg game but likely fit for knockout rounds, says Alonso

Mbappe to miss Salzburg game but likely fit for knockout rounds, says Alonso

Mbappe skips training again, set to miss Pachuca game

Mbappe skips training again, set to miss Pachuca game

Mbappe a doubt for Real's Club World Cup opener

Mbappe a doubt for Real's Club World Cup opener

Ten-man Real overcome lowly Alaves 1-0 after Mbappe sees red

Ten-man Real overcome lowly Alaves 1-0 after Mbappe sees red