48 teams, 48 professionals
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The countdown to the 2026 World Cup has begun: 48 nations will fight for the most coveted trophy in international football starting next Thursday, June 11th. We have pooled the global expertise of our transfer market employees from five continents and, in the run-up to the tournament, we are presenting one player from each team who is a must-have on the list in the next six weeks: from potential rising stars to possible surprises to veterans hungry for success – the final round is Group L, consisting of England, Croatia, Ghana and Panama.
World Cup 2026: 48 teams, 48 players
Nico O’Reilly: Defender with hidden offensive qualities
Ben Littlemore, Content Manager UK at Transfermarkt: England have a lot of quality in attack, but one player who could benefit from being given some space is Nico O’Reilly. The 21-year-old from Manchester City, who was named Premier League Young Player of the Season, is expected to start at left-back for the Three Lions. As with the club, he can also move into the center of midfield and provide offensive momentum both from the left side and through the middle of the pitch.
O’Reilly was a midfielder in his youth and can get out of tight spaces under pressure, is also a good athlete and has good defensive instincts. The left-footed player stands 1.93 meters tall and poses a real threat in the air, both from set pieces and from play. Players like Harry Kane, Jude Bellingham and Bukayo Saka will attract most of the attention in the build-up to the tournament, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see O’Reilly play a key role in this World Cup.
Luka Vuskovic: The next big stage for the HSV shooting star
“Stodra”, Croatia data scout at Transfermarkt: At 1.93 meters tall, Luka Vuskovic is very strong in the air. He uses this strength to his advantage, especially in set-piece situations, and is always a major goal threat. The 19-year-old scored six goals for Hamburger SV last season. Vuskovic doesn’t just impress on the pitch thanks to his strength in duels and headers. He exudes absolute self-confidence and leadership qualities and is already taking on a lot of responsibility.
Although he is only 19 years old, he already has a lot of experience. He has played four international matches for Croatia and most recently scored the first goal against Colombia. I expect his confidence and insouciance to inject some much-needed energy into the Croatian defence. I believe he will play a significant role at the World Cup, perhaps similar to Josko Gvardiol at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar when Croatia finished third. Whenever the opportunity presents itself, he will carry the ball from his defensive position into dangerous areas. He could even win the FIFA Young Player Award at the World Cup, that’s how much I believe in him.
Antoine Semenyo: A star in England, not yet in Ghana
O’Neal Keamogetse Radinne, Area Manager Africa at Transfermarkt: Antoine Semenyo, who moved to Manchester City for €72 million in January, is Ghana’s most promising offensive player. He feels comfortable both in the center and on the wings and is characterized by his dynamism, finishing strength and physicality. His willingness to run is complemented by intelligent running routes and good dribbling – characteristics that can always pose problems for the opposing defense.
In 2022, Semenyo has decided to play for the Ghanaian national team and will compete against his native England at the World Cup. He has already established himself as a reliable offensive force in the Premier League, but his effectiveness in the national team still leaves a lot to be desired with just three goals in 34 games. But that’s also because the entire Ghanaian team is defensively minded, which makes Semenyo extremely valuable as a counterattack player.
Adalberto Carrasquilla: Good World Cup as a springboard for a move to Europe
Manuel Veth, Area Manager North America at Transfermarkt: Adalberto Carrasquilla has the chance to become Panama’s big star at this World Cup. The 27-year-old central midfielder was one of the best players for the Houston Dynamo in Major League Soccer before he was sold to the top Liga MX club UNAM Pumas in 2025 for around 3.4 million euros. The Pumas weren’t the only interested club at the time.
Clubs from Europe also showed interest, but the financial strength of Mexican soccer led Carrasquilla to move south of the U.S. border instead. A physically strong midfielder with a good eye for his teammates, Carrasquilla could play in one of Europe’s top five leagues. Playing in the World Cup with Panama could help him with a move to Europe if that is still his ambition. He will play a key role for Panama.