The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is well and truly on, and the international soccer scene is buzzing with anticipation, drama, and plenty of storylines that could shape the tournament’s narrative. As qualification campaigns enter their final stretch and managers make pivotal decisions, the world’s biggest stars—and emerging talents—are preparing for a global showcase unlike any other.
With only two matchdays remaining in the CONMEBOL qualifiers, South America’s heavyweights are locking in their final plans. Argentina, Brazil, and Ecuador have already punched their tickets to North America, but the focus is now shifting from simply qualifying to fine-tuning squads and building momentum for the main event. This September’s FIFA international break, marking the last round of South American qualifiers, is more than just a formality—it’s a crucial dress rehearsal for teams with their eyes on the ultimate prize.
For Brazil, the stakes are high, even with qualification already secured. The official squad for the final two qualifiers will be announced on August 25 in Rio de Janeiro, and all eyes are on Carlo Ancelotti as he prepares for his first World Cup at the helm of the Seleção. Brazil’s final qualifying matches are set: a home clash against Chile on September 5 and a daunting trip to El Alto, Bolivia, on September 10, where the altitude exceeds 4,100 meters. These games will be the last official tests before the world turns its attention to the grand stage.
Brazil’s preparations, however, won’t include Real Madrid’s Vinícius Júnior. The electric winger is out due to suspension after picking up a yellow card against Paraguay, and Ancelotti has opted not to call him up, sparing him the grueling conditions in Bolivia. According to Globo Esporte, "Vinícius Júnior will not be included in the squad for this window." But it’s not all bad news for Brazilian fans. Rodrygo and Éder Militão, both sidelined by injuries in June, are back in the fold and expected to play key roles as Brazil seeks to hit peak form at just the right time. With stalwarts like Casemiro and Raphinha available, Ancelotti has a strong hand to play as he experiments with tactical tweaks and squad rotations.
Meanwhile, Argentina’s fortunes continue to revolve around the enigmatic Lionel Messi. At 38, Messi is defying the odds, leading MLS with 19 goals for Inter Miami and staying firmly in the mix as one of the top scorers in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers—his six goals put him just behind Colombia’s Luis Diaz. While Messi hasn’t found the net in Argentina’s last two matches, his impact on Lionel Scaloni’s squad remains undeniable. The upcoming qualifiers against Venezuela and Ecuador are prime opportunities for Messi to chase down Diaz and claim the top scorer spot, further cementing his legacy.
The debate over Messi’s World Cup future has reached fever pitch. Former teammate Angel Di Maria didn’t mince words in a recent interview with La Nacion: "Whatever his condition is, Leo (Messi) has to play in the World Cup (2026) no matter what. It’s him, and he’s also the reason why the national team continues to grow and people have hope. It’s him. It’s like when Diego (Maradona) was around. It’s them and no one else. They’re from another planet, they’re not from here. We have to keep enjoying him and hopefully he’ll be in top form." Di Maria’s admiration is personal, too: "He’s an alien. I never watched MLS, and now I have a subscription to watch Inter Miami games, just because he’s there, because I want to keep watching him."
Should Messi compete in the 2026 World Cup, history beckons. He would set a record for most World Cup appearances, making his sixth tournament showing. There’s also the tantalizing prospect of Messi becoming the oldest player to score a hat trick at the World Cup, potentially surpassing Cristiano Ronaldo’s 2018 feat. And with just four goals separating Messi from Miroslav Klose’s all-time World Cup scoring record, the stakes couldn’t be higher for the Argentine maestro.
But it’s not just the established legends making headlines. In Mexico, teenage sensation Gilberto Mora is turning heads with a meteoric rise that could see him play in three World Cups in a single year. After debuting in the first division at just 15 and winning the Gold Cup with El Tri at 16, Mora is now 16 and eyeing the U-20 World Cup in Chile (Group C with Brazil, Morocco, and Spain) and the U-17 World Cup in Qatar (Group F with Ivory Coast, South Korea, and Switzerland). The U-20 tournament runs from September 27 to October 20, followed closely by the U-17 event from November 3 to 27. If Mora maintains his blistering form, veteran coach Javier Aguirre could hand him a senior call-up for the 2026 World Cup, making him one of Mexico’s brightest prospects ever.
North of the border, the US Men’s National Team is preparing for a World Cup on home soil. The blueprint for success? Goals from the wings. Christian Pulisic and Tim Weah are locks for the 2026 roster, expected to shoulder the attacking load. Pulisic, thriving at AC Milan, and Weah, fresh off a move to Marseille, both bring World Cup pedigree and are in their prime. Diego Luna, who burst onto the scene during the 2025 Gold Cup with three knockout-stage goals—including a brace against Guatemala—has boosted his chances of making the squad. As coach Mauricio Pochettino weighs his options, versatile players like Yunus Musah and Haji Wright offer depth, while youngsters such as Kevin Paredes, Griffin Yow, and Cade Cowell remain on the radar. Alejandro Zendejas, starring for Club America, could also be in the mix if Pochettino opts for more experience.
As the final qualifiers loom and squads take shape, managers across the Americas are facing tough choices—balancing rotation with stability and youth with experience. For Brazil, the September window is a chance to build confidence and cohesion under Ancelotti’s new regime. For Argentina, it’s about keeping Messi at the center of everything, hoping for more magic. For Mexico, the emergence of Mora could signal a new era. And for the USMNT, the focus is on maximizing their wing play and making the most of home advantage.
The road to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is filled with intrigue, ambition, and the promise of unforgettable moments. With so many stars and storylines converging, the stage is set for a tournament that could redefine the legacy of some of soccer’s greatest names—and launch a few new ones into the spotlight. As the world waits, the drama is just beginning to unfold.
