The 2026 World Cup has seen a host of lesser-known players rise to prominence during the group stages. Here is a selection of an XI who have made a significant impact, excluding the established superstars.
Goalkeeper: Vozinha (Cape Verde)
A star was born at the age of 40 when Josimar, known as Vozinha, denied Spain's all-stars in a historic 0-0 draw. His highest-profile club was Portugal's Gil Vicente. His performance was so impactful 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 subsequent matches. Seven saves against Spain made him a global social media sensation.
Right-Back: Vladimir Coufal (Czechia)
With set-piece football in vogue, 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)
Denying Cristiano Ronaldo a goal is now a tough task, but DR Congo closed every door. Mbemba, a Lille defender formerly with Newcastle and Marseille, led the defensive effort as his country secured their first ever World Cup finals point. Ronaldo made 47 offers to receive the ball but got it only 10 times, as Mbemba covered off the space effectively.
Centre-Back: Wilfried Singo (Côte d'Ivoire)
Ecuador took a painful lesson in Philadelphia, hitting the woodwork before succumbing to a late goal from Amad Diallo. The architect was Galatasaray's Singo, surging forward from defence to set up the finish. Earlier, his running battle with Ecuador striker Enner Valencia set the tone for a physical contest. 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 Davies thanks to Laryea, who usually plays on the right. The Toronto FC defender is full of running and provides attacking threat, as seen in the 6-0 takedown of Qatar. Davies's absence has not been a hindrance.
Midfielder: Ayyoub Bouaddi (Morocco)
He only declared for Morocco on 15 May, but the France-born Lille midfielder's performances against Brazil and Scotland have confirmed his reputation as one of the most promising players. Elite clubs are 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 not happy with Switzerland's substitutes in their 1-1 draw with Qatar. Without naming Manzambi, the captain lamented the team's discipline. The 20-year-old's impact off the bench against Bosnia and Herzegovina was emphatic, scoring two goals. Xhaka denied him a hat-trick by taking a late penalty, marking that discipline remains key.
Midfielder: Yasin Ayari (Sweden)
At the heart of Sweden's commanding opening performance against Tunisia, Ayari scored two goals. The Brighton midfielder, slight and willowy, 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 the country of his father's birth. He is the latest Brighton player chased in the transfer market.
Right-Winger: Elijah Just (New Zealand)
Chris Wood, the expected goal scorer, turned supplier for both of Just's goals 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 co-hosts, Balogun has been the star of the tournament. The native New Yorker has been at the core of Mauricio Pochettino's high-transition 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 own goal, securing progress to the last 32.
Left-Winger: Julián Quiñones (Mexico)
In Javier Aguirre's pragmatic Mexico team, which secured top spot in 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 long range.
