World Cup 2026: Here are 10 players to keep an eye on in Bay Area matches

SANTA CLARA – A Turkish prodigy who already starts for Real Madrid. An iconic winger who is still shining for Algeria. A pair of cagey Austrians who are trying to make one more run at World Cup glory.

The Bay Area missed out on hosting powerhouse nations such as Germany, Spain, Brazil or France, but the eight countries set to descend on the region still have a healthy amount of star power on their rosters, even if there is no Lionel Messi or Lamine Yamal to be seen.

Though goal-scorers get most of the glory on the pitch, every type of player is accounted for across five group stage matches in Santa Clara.

And though a pair of early-20-somethings are the most exciting attacking talents, perhaps the most decorated participant is actually defensive stallwart David Alaba, who has won fistfuls of league titles with powerhouses Bayern Munich and Real Madrid.

For fans of 2010s soccer, the Bay Area June 22 matchup between Jordan and Algeria might be the last time the decorated Ryad Mahrez will play in such a high-profile competition.

Here are 10 players to keep an eye on for fans who watch the matches at Levi’s Stadium:

Akram Afif, Qatar left winger, 29

The two-time Asian Footballer of the Year will be asked to lead his country into its first World Cup games played outside of home soil. Afif has scored a national team-record 40 goals in international duty.

Though he is approaching 30, Afif still has the pace to create an advantage on the wings, and is a top-notch passer. In 16 World Cup qualifying matches, he has 11 assists while also scoring four goals.

David Alaba, Austria centerback, 33

Once considered arguably the best left back in the world, the Austrian captain has taken a step back and moved to central defense after repeated injuries. He is still a heady defender, though, and can be relied on in high-pressure situations.

Having played for both Bayern Munich and Real Madrid, perhaps no player coming to the Bay Area has the kind of pedigree Alaba can claim. Alaba is currently without a club team after leaving Madrid last month.

Miguel Almirón, Paraguay right winger, 32

The only Major League Soccer player on this list made a name for himself with some great Atlanta United teams in the late 2010s, before being a bright spot at Newcastle. Almirón is now back at Atlanta United.

Though he is no longer quite as quick as he was a half–decade ago, Almirón is still a magician with the ball and a threat to beat his defender anywhere on the pitch. He can also play as a midfielder.

Mousa Al Tamari, Jordan right winger, 28

A classic winger who looks to beat his defender off the dribble before crossing passes into the box, Al Tamari is a standout for Stade Rennais in France’s Ligue 1 and helped the club finish sixth in the top-heavy league.

He has 76 appearances for Jordan and has scored 23 goals. Al Tamari scored a goal against Nigeria and dished out an assist against Switzerland in his most recent international matches.

Julio Enciso, Paraguay attacking midfielder, 22

Enciso already has 31 appearances for his country despite his age, and is one of the up-and-coming South American stars. He will likely move on from French side RC Strasbourg, where he scored three goals and had six assists last season, before long.

Enciso should pair with Almiron to create a fun-to-watch attack for Paraguay.

Arda Güler, Turkey attacking midfielder, 21

Güler is one of the most exciting young players in the world and considered the crown jewel of the next wave of gifted Turkish talent. He is a regular starter for Real Madrid and was named the Champions League’s Young Player of the Year last week.

His 14 combined assists across all competitions understate what a spectacular passer he is, and he will likely be asked to create a large share of Turkey’s scoring chances during the competition.

Jackson Irvine, Australia central midfielder, 33

Australia’s captain was not a lock to participate after undergoing foot surgery, but recovered in time to make the team. The Socceroos’ icon is now training with the national team in Alameda.

Much like Sabitzer, Irvine does not put up incredible statistics, but is vital to the team functioning on the pitch.

Riyad Mahrez, Algeria right winger, 35

Mahrez is a living legend and the unquestioned leader of a talented Algerian side. He was the breakout star on Leicester City’s improbable 2016 Premier League title and one of the best players in the world, making the leap to Manchester City.

He now relies on guile and skill to produce and has been finishing his career out by playing with Al-Ahli in the Saudi Pro League. In eight World Cup qualifying matches, Mahrez has scored only one goal but given out four assists.

Marcel Sabitzer, Austria central midfielder, 32

Austria’s other elder statesman will join Alaba as the team’s leader. His impact cannot be measured by goals and assists, as his best work involves keeping the attack moving along and ensuring the defense retains its shape.

Sabitzer has spent the majority of his career in the German Bundesliga, but just missed playing with Alaba at Bayern Munich. The central midfielder has played 98 games for the Austrian team.

Granit Xhaka, Switzerland defensive midfielder, 33

The heartbeat of the Swiss national team is appearing in his fourth World Cup. He normally dictates the team’s tempo as a defensive midfielder, but is also known to unleash a thunderbolt of a goal from deep on occasion.

He is coming off a stellar campaign with Sunderland in the English Premier League, where he captained the club to a Europa League spot in its first season back in England’s top league.