Five under-the-radar World Cup players to watch

StatMuse data further illustrated his impact in 2025-26, with Anderson the only player in the top five European leagues with at least 200 possessions and duels won apiece and 40 interceptions.

He also left a mark during World Cup qualifying, leading the national team in tackles won (six) and tying for the lead in interceptions (six) with defenseman Reece James. 

On a team led by forward Harry Kane (eight goals in qualifiers) and other stars, Anderson will be key to not just gaining possession for the Three Lions but also setting up scoring opportunities. Per Fotmob, Anderson finished the Premier League in the 95th percentile in chances created (54). He may need to replicate that production for England to win its first World Cup in 60 years.

France defensive midfielder N'Golo Kante

Few players are as universally beloved as Kante, who missed the 2022 World Cup after undergoing surgery for a hamstring injury. Known for his generous spirit, Kante once traveled three hours to visit a Chelsea fan recovering from triple bypass surgery. He can make up for lost time by helping Les Bleus to a second World Cup in three tournaments.

Kante, the 2017 French Player of the Year, was part of the 2018 winning squad, leading that team in interceptions (20) and tackles won (12). At 35, this could be Kante's final World Cup.

Spain striker Mikel Oyarzabal

With star forward Lamine Yamal recovering from a hamstring injury — manager Luis de la Fuente expects him to be available for Spain's World Cup opener — Oyarzabal is even more vital to Spain's attack. Currently playing some of the best soccer of his career, Oyarzabal can more than live up to the pressure.

He had 15 goals for Real Sociedad in La Liga and has been sharp recently in international play. On Monday, he scored against Peru in Spain's final World Cup tune-up, giving him a goal in six consecutive national team contests dating to a 2-0 qualifying win over Georgia on Oct. 11, 2025.

Like Kante, Oyarzabal didn't suit up at the last World Cup in Qatar, missing the tournament after tearing his ACL. But his red-hot play of late indicates he could be among Spain's most important players this year.

U.S. striker Ricardo Pepi

Four years ago, the three-time Eredivisie champ waited for a FaceTime that never came. Instead, he received a brief audio call from then-U.S. coach Gregg Berhalter informing him he didn't make the 2022 World Cup roster despite scoring three goals during qualifiers, the second most on the team.

At the time, Berhalter explained the decision, noting, "The Dutch League is a great league, but it doesn't bring the same physicality that the Premier League brings and the Championship brings."

Pepi eventually made his Champions League debut on Aug. 8, 2023, scoring his first UCL goal one week later. He added five more Champions League goals in the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons to go along with 27 domestic league goals during the span.

"I've done it at the highest stage in the world," Pepi recently said about his play since his 2022 snub. "That just gives you the confidence of knowing... I can score in a World Cup. I'm ready."

Pepi has a knack for finding the ball, as this header for PSV demonstrates, with the striker in the right place at the right time to put the ball in the back of the net.

In a recent USMNT 3-2 friendly win over Senegal, Pepi also showcased his ability to set up teammates, finding Christian Pulisic twice to initiate successful scoring chances.

Pepi has come a long way from that 2022 disappointment. While he has yet to claim a full-time starting role, the 23-year-old could be a hugely valuable substitute, providing little to no drop-off in production when on the pitch.

Norway right wing back Julian Ryerson

Norway will go as far as star Erling Haaland takes it, but Ryerson should make the forward's job easier. The nine-year Bundesliga vet had 15 assists in domestic league play during the 2025-26 campaign, trailing only France's Michael Olise, who notched 18 for Bayern Munich.

Ryerson added four more assists during World Cup qualifiers to help send Norway to the global tournament after failing to make the 2022 cut. 

The national squad will need Ryerson at his sharpest to advance through the group stage in what OptaStats labeled the "Group of Death." It also includes France and Senegal — plus Iraq — giving Group I three teams ranked No. 21 or higher in Elo ratings.