2026 FIFA World Cup: The hot footballers stealing our attention on (and off) the pitch

The 2026 FIFA World Cup has brought football fans and non-fans alike together , whether you’re here for the goals, the camaraderie of watching with friends and family, or, let’s be honest, the players. The tournament is also a great excuse to get to know some of the international athletes repping their countries from Asia to the Americas to the Middle East. And while we’d never deny their skill on the pitch, we also can’t deny that a few of them have very much caught our eye for other reasons.

So whether you’re tuning in to see who makes it to the next round, or you’re just here for the eye candy, we’ve rounded up the players we’ve got our eyes on at this year’s World Cup.

Kenan Yıldız (Türkiye)

Kenan Yıldız might just be one of the best-looking players at this year’s tournament. The Turkish player, who also plays for Juventus FC, is known for his chiselled features and serious aura. He’s landed magazine covers that show off his versatility on and off the field, and at 1.87m tall, his presence alone is hard to miss.

Cho Gue-sung (South Korea)

Born in 1998, Cho Gue-sung plays as a striker and has appeared in several magazine features, including Vogue Korea, which he’s shared on his own Instagram. With the tournament back in full swing, it’s no surprise he’s become one of this season’s breakout favourites. His sculpted physique alone has earned him a well-deserved spot on this list.

Son Heung-min (South Korea)

There’s a certain boyish charm to Son Heung-min that’s hard to ignore. We fell for him back when he was playing for Tottenham Hotspur, and his star power isn’t limited to South Korea: he commands attention across Asia. (PS: we still think about his 2023 visit to Singapore for luxury travel brand TUMI during their pre-season Asian tour.) Fluent in English with an effortlessly likeable personality, and now captaining the South Korean team, Son proves that talent and charm really can go hand in hand.

Jude Bellingham (England)

If his name rings a bell, you already know this list wouldn’t be complete without him. Jude Bellingham is a force to be reckoned with both on and off the pitch, with striking features, an enviable physique, and the kind of charisma that’s kept fans talking about him all over TikTok. The 22-year-old plays for England at the World Cup and for Real Madrid the rest of the year.

Declan Rice (England)

Arsenal fans will know this 27-year-old well. Declan Rice plays for England and brings serious aura along with a smile that’s hard to shake off. Beyond his role as a key player for the national team, he’s also been making fashion headlines: he recently featured in British Vogue’s June 2026 issue, and he looked great doing it.

Lucas Bergvall (Sweden)

We couldn’t leave out this Tottenham Hotspur player. Making his World Cup debut this year for Sweden, the 20-year-old played against Tunisia on 14 June and became the youngest Swedish player ever to appear at a World Cup. What’s the appeal? Model-worthy features paired with an undeniable boy-next-door charm.

Keito Nakamura (Japan)

Keito Nakamura is easily one of the most talked-about footballers in Asia right now. The 25-year-old plays for French club Stade de Reims as well as the Japan national team, and is known for a smile that’s got everyone weak in the knees. He also just gives off major “bring him home to meet the parents” energy, green flags all around.

Kylian Mbappé (France)

At this point, Kylian Mbappé needs no introduction. At 27, he’s a force in the football world on his own terms, known for his distinctive features and effortless switching between French and English. Add in his undeniable charm and his standing as one of the sport’s top players, and it’s easy to see why he’s on every list like this one.

Elijah Just (New Zealand)

The New Zealand team doesn’t get talked about enough, but if there’s one player to spotlight, it’s Elijah Just. The 26-year-old made headlines after scoring two goals against Iran in this year’s tournament, a breakout moment for an underdog like him. Skill and good looks? He’s got both.

João Félix (Portugal)

Portugal may have Cristiano Ronaldo, but they’ve also got João Félix, who plays alongside the football legend at Saudi club Al Nassr. The 26-year-old has great hair and an even better smile, the kind that’ll have you falling head over heels.

Jens Castrop (South Korea)

You haven’t seen much of Jens Castrop yet since he hasn’t played a minute on the pitch this tournament, but keep an eye on his name for upcoming matches. This German-South Korean player was born in Germany and holds dual citizenship. At just 22, he’s a young talent with plenty of promise, and honestly, his looks alone are reason enough to watch this space.