Rodrygo
Born in Brazil and playing his club soccer for Real Madrid, this 24-year-old forward has built a reputation as one of those players who somehow gets better when the stakes get higher — he has a habit of scoring clutch goals in Champions League knockout rounds that have left even veteran fans slack-jawed. At the 2026 World Cup, he'll be one of Brazil's most dangerous attacking weapons, a player comfortable either setting teammates up or finishing chances himself with a technical skill that looks almost effortless. For casual fans, the thing to watch is how he operates in tight spaces — he's small and quick, and he has this knack for suddenly appearing in exactly the right spot at exactly the wrong moment for defenders. If Brazil goes deep in the tournament, there's a very good chance this guy will be involved in the goals that get them there.