Single and ready to mingle? Meet FIFA World Cup 2026’s most eligible footballers

While the FIFA World Cup 2026 is serving up plenty of sporting drama, it’s also shining a spotlight on a number of football’s most eligible bachelors. From newly single stars and notoriously private captains to heartthrobs who have fans flooding their social media feeds with marriage proposals, these players are proving that being talented, successful and unattached is a combination that’s hard to ignore. 

Team Japan: Keito Nakamura (25)

Wearing the No. 13 jersey, Keito Nakamura first caught the attention of Japanese football fans when he earned his senior national team debut against Uruguay. Fast forward to the FIFA World Cup 2026, and the striker has been making headlines after scoring his first World Cup goal against the Netherlands.

But it’s not just his performances on the pitch that have people talking. Nakamura has also amassed a devoted online following thanks to his boyish charm and model-worthy looks. Social media users have repeatedly praised his heartthrob appeal, with many suggesting he could easily make the leap into modelling—or even acting—if football wasn’t already keeping him busy.

Team Korea: Cho Gue-sung (28)

Imagine being so attractive that you have to switch off your phone because it’s being flooded with marriage proposals. South Korean striker Cho Gue-sung earned heartthrob status during the 2022 World Cup, where his striking looks went viral almost overnight, cementing his place as one of football’s most beloved pin-ups. Despite the intense public interest, Cho has kept his dating life largely under wraps. He was romantically linked to a South Korean model in 2022—a rumour that was later denied by her agency—and has also been the subject of speculation involving a member of K-pop girl group Billie. 

Team United States: Christian Pulisic (27)

The chiselled football star has helped Team USA secure a perfect 2-0 record and a place in the World Cup knockout stages. Earlier this year, Pulisic opened up about his split from professional golfer Alexa Melton, sharing that he was grateful for their time together and appreciative of how she encouraged him to enjoy life and supported him throughout their relationship. The notoriously private forward appears to be single at the moment — making him one of the tournament’s most eligible bachelors.

Team Korea: Son Heung-min (33)

Ay, ay, captain. The Los Angeles-based footballer, who left Tottenham Hotspur last year, has his head firmly in the game. The 33-year-old, who was previously linked to Blackpink’s Jisoo, has long been candid about putting his career first. In a past interview, Son revealed that he does not plan to marry until he retires, echoing advice from his father and former footballer Son Woong-jung, who told him that once you get married, your priorities inevitably shift to your spouse and children.

Team Portugal: João Félix (26)

Dubbed Portugal’s most exciting talent since Cristiano Ronaldo, the attacking midfielder has been hitting career highs while navigating changes in his personal life. He reportedly parted ways with Portuguese actress Margarida Corceiro in 2025, bringing an end to one of football’s most closely watched relationships. Since then, it remains unclear whether he has re-entered the dating scene.

Team Ecuador: Piero Hincapie (24)

It seems Ecuador’s star centre-back is having a tough time defending his heart. Following Ecuador’s 0-1 defeat to Ivory Coast in their FIFA World Cup opener, reports emerged that Hincapié had split from his girlfriend, Spanish influencer and model Aura de la Cruz. She later confirmed the breakup via an Instagram Story, writing: “Our relationship is over. This was a very difficult decision. But sometimes we have to accept that things don’t go the way we thought. Don’t associate me with him anymore. Please stop sending me cyberbullying and hateful messages.”

Team Portugal: Rúben Dias (29)

Another newly single footballer on the list, the Manchester City defender confirmed his split from Love Island host Maya Jama in May. Following speculation surrounding the breakup, Dias took to Instagram to shut down cheating rumours once and for all.

“When my 85-year-old grandad is asking me if I’ve cheated on my girlfriend because he’s seen it repeatedly on the news, that’s where I draw the line on what’s acceptable and what’s not,” he wrote. “Maya and I have always had a relationship built on mutual respect. No line was ever crossed in that regard.”

Team France: William Saliba (25)

The 190cm Arsenal and France defender keeps his relationship status firmly under wraps, neither confirming a partner nor sharing much about his personal life online. What he does put on display, however, is his close bond with teammates — particularly fellow centre-back Gabriel Magalhães. Their on-pitch chemistry has become such a talking point that Arsenal fans regularly joke about the pair’s “bromance,” with the defensive duo often stealing the spotlight both on and off the pitch.

Team Korea: Jens Castrop (22)

This German-South Korean cutie made history as South Korea’s first foreign-born dual-heritage player to appear at a World Cup. The 22-year-old midfielder, who plays for Bundesliga side Borussia Mönchengladbach, was previously in a relationship with German model and actress Trixi Janson, but the pair reportedly split in early 2025. 

Team Tunisia: Omar Rekik (24)

The former Arsenal footballer, who now plays as a defensive midfielder and centre-back for NK Maribor, keeps his dating life firmly out of the spotlight, making it anyone’s guess whether he’s currently single.

Team Colombia: James Rodríguez (34)

While the Colombia captain appears to be single at the moment, he has had several high-profile relationships over the years. He was married to volleyball player and model Daniela Ospina for six years, and the former couple share a daughter, Salomé, before divorcing in 2017. A year later, he began dating Venezuelan model Shannon de Lima, though the pair reportedly parted ways in 2021. In 2024, he was spotted with model Luisa Duque, but neither has publicly commented on the nature of their relationship.

Team Iran: Mehdi Taremi (33)

The Iran captain and Ricky Martin doppelgänger appears to be flying solo for now. Although he keeps his romantic life under wraps, he was previously linked to Iranian actress and model Sahar Ghoreishi.