With each passing day, the hype around the biggest FIFA World Cup in history continues to build. With 48 teams set to compete for the biggest prize in world football, more teams mean more talent will rise on the global platform.

While fans will keep a close eye on the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, who may be playing their last World Cup, there are a few players who often fly under the radar. Some of these players are actually very underrated, even though their contributions have been immense for their national teams. 

We take a look at five of the most underrated players who could shine at the FIFA World Cup 2026:

5. Weston McKennie (USA)

Weston McKennie would qualify for the nickname of a human Swiss Army Knife. The American has played in virtually every position for Juventus, except the goalkeeper and at centre-back. With the USMNT, he has shown plenty of promise, but it remains to be seen how head coach Mauricio Pochettino plans to utilise McKennie. The 27-year-old brings high work rate and athleticism, along with the ability to score a few worldies. 

At club level, he has made 42 appearances so far for the Old Lady, scoring 9 goals and setting up 7 further assists. While all eyes will be on the likes of Christian Pulisic and Giovanni Reyna, McKennie can quietly become the USMNT’s most reliable pick. 

4. Désiré Doué (France)

With the likes of Kylian Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele, and Michael Olise expected to start in the frontline for France, Didier Deschamps can also call upon a trump card in Désiré Doué. The 20-year-old has earned six caps for France, scoring twice, but his exploits at club level with PSG are certainly turning heads. After helping Luis Enrique’s side win the treble last season, Doué continues to shine with 11 goals and 7 assists this season. 

The thing that sets him apart from other players at Les Bleus is his directness and the ability to play in multiple positions across the frontline. He can give France an extra dimension to break down deep-lying teams during the World Cup. 

3. Edin Džeko (Bosnia)

Edin Džeko is the all-time top goalscorer and most capped player of the Bosnian national team, and helped his country qualify for the FIFA World Cup for the second time in history. At 40, he is still going strong as he continues to shine with Schalke in 2. Bundesliga. 

Since joining Schalke, he has scored six goals and provided three assists in eight games. He has been equally lethal during the World Cup qualifying with six strikes, including a vital 86th-minute equaliser against Wales in the playoffs semifinal and leading the team to a playoff final win over Italy.

Džeko suffered a shoulder injury on national duty, but will be hoping to lead his country at the World Cup as they will look to fight it out with co-hosts Canada and Switzerland, along with Qatar in Group B.

2. Luis Diaz (Colombia)

Luis Diaz has taken his game to another level altogether since joining Bayern Munich. He was on target in both quarterfinal legs against Real Madrid, taking his tally to 24 goals for the season. With 18 further assists, Diaz has been unplayable at times, and he will be hoping to continue his rich vein of form with Colombia. 

The left winger has 21 goals in 72 appearances for the South American nation. Paired in Group K alongside Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal and DR Congo, Luis Diaz will carry the hopes of his nation to help them qualify past the group stage at the very least. 

Wild-card pick: Mathías Olivera (Uruguay)

Mathías Olivera Miramontes plays his club football for Napoli, and the centre-back has been in red-hot form. With 35 caps for Uruguay at the international stage, Olivera can play as a centre-back or at left back. He has racked up 29 appearances across all competitions, recording two assists, while helping Napoli challenge for the Serie A title. 

Olivera is expected to start alongside José María Giménez and has been a key figure under Marcelo Bielsa. Uruguay will be up against Spain, Cape Verde and Saudi Arabia in Group H, and Mathías will be expected to put in some hard yards, particularly against La Roja, to help his side qualify for the knockouts. 

1. Nico Paz (Argentina)

21-year-old Nico Paz has lit up the Serie A with his performances for Como. With 12 goals and seven assists, the midfielder has grown into a genuine star under Cesc Fàbregas. Born in Spain, Paz has chosen to represent Argentina at the international level, and he has shown maturity beyond his age. 

With 8 appearances and a solitary strike to his name, Paz has shown enough at the club level to earn a place in the Argentine World Cup squad, even though he may not be a regular starter. Should Lionel Scaloni trust the youngster and allow him to flourish, he can become a mainstay for the Albiceleste for many years to come. 

Having earned plaudits for his vision, passing and movement, the midfielder has a buy-back clause which Real Madrid can trigger until the summer of 2027. The World Cup this year can be the tournament where he announces himself to the world.