The World Cup is arguably the most prestigious trophy in sports, and every four years hundreds of players seek to etch their names into the tournament's rich history with standout performances.
The 2026 edition in North America will be no different, and here are five Latin American players who, in one way or another, will be among the biggest storylines for their respective national teams.
Lionel Messi
It would be impossible to leave out the Inter Miami star as he prepares to play in his sixth World Cup, a record he will share with Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo and Mexico's Guillermo Ochoa.
As has become routine throughout his career, Messi will have another opportunity to extend his long list of records even at 38 years old. When Argentina takes the field June 16 against Algeria in Kansas City, Messi is expected to captain the reigning champions in what would be his 27th World Cup appearance, extending the record he set in the 2022 final when he surpassed Lothar Matthäus' 25 appearances.
Across his previous five tournaments, the Argentine has scored 13 goals and recorded eight assists. Three more goals in 2026 would tie Germany's Miroslav Klose for the all-time record, while one more assist would make Messi the tournament's all-time leader, breaking the tie he currently shares with fellow Argentine Diego Maradona.
Perhaps the toughest challenge of all will be helping Argentina retain the title. No nation has successfully defended a World Cup crown in more than 60 years, since Brazil won back-to-back tournaments in 1958 and 1962.
Gilberto Mora
Unlike Messi, Mexico's Gilberto Mora will be writing the first chapter of his World Cup story.
For starters, Mora is set to be the youngest player at the 2026 tournament at 17 years, 240 days old. In World Cup history, only five players have appeared at a younger age, and the only other Latin American on that list is Brazil's Pelé, who played at 17 years, 235 days old in 1958.
The expectations surrounding Mora in Mexico are difficult to overstate. Since making his professional debut in 2024 at just 15 years old, Mora has emerged as one of the brightest young talents not only in Mexico but in the world. The 2026 World Cup is widely viewed as the ideal stage for him to earn a move to European soccer.
Vinicius Jr.
For Brazil's Vinicius Jr., the mission is simple: return the five-time world champions to the top. That task, however, is easier said than done.
Despite establishing himself as one of the world's best players with Real Madrid, the winger has yet to produce a defining moment with the Seleção that matches his club success.
In 49 appearances for Brazil, Vinicius has scored nine goals, with only three coming in major tournaments: two at the Copa América and one at the 2022 World Cup.
Brazil, meanwhile, has not reached a World Cup final in 22 years. In the five tournaments since then, the Brazilians have reached the semifinals only once, in 2014.
Luis Díaz
Perhaps the most in-form Latin American player in the world entering the tournament after having the best season of his career with German club Bayern Munich.
The Colombian scored 26 goals in all competitions during the 2025-26 season, including 15 in the Bundesliga and seven in the Champions League, where Bayern was eliminated in the semifinals by eventual champion Paris Saint-Germain.
In addition to his 26 goals, Díaz recorded 19 assists across all competitions, surpassing his total from four seasons with his previous club, Liverpool.
Díaz spearheaded Colombia's run to the 2024 Copa América final, the country's first appearance in the championship match since 2001. He is set to make his World Cup debut against Uzbekistan on June 17.
Nico Paz
One of the biggest revelations of the European season.
The 21-year-old midfielder helped lead modest Italian side Como to Champions League qualification for the first time in club history, scoring 12 goals in his second season in Italy.
His performances earned him a call-up from Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, and he made his senior national team debut against Bolivia in 2024.
Paz is widely expected to become one of the key figures of Argentina's post-Messi generation.
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