1 Player to Watch from Every Team at the World Cup

Photo: Socceroos

Mexico - Julián Quiñones (Al Qadsiah)

Quiñones has been in stunning form coming into this tournament and his confidence will be at a career high level in front of home crowds. Over his past 2 seasons in the Saudi Pro League Quiñones has scored a staggering 53 goals in just 59 games.

South Africa - Lyle Foster (Burnley)

With many of the South African team never having European experience Lyle Foster will be key up front for his side if they want to get results. The striker has come off a hard season for his club side Burnley, with only 5 goal involvements for the season.

South Korea - Lee Kang-In (PSG)

Kang-In looks set to leave PSG with this World Cup potentially being a way to impress clubs who may want his signature. Kang-In played 10 times in PSG's run to consecutive UCL titles, with his left foot cut in style of play being key for South Korea.

Czechia - Tomáš Souček (West Ham)

Souček was relegated with West Ham but had a great habit over his West Ham career of popping up with a crucial goal. He will need to do the same for Czechia. Sitting as a deep midfielder will be his primary role for Czechia but if he can chip in, in attack this could be key.

Canada - Ismaël Koné (Sassuolo)

Koné is the key player in Canada's midfield. His pass and move style is key tactically for Canada. If the host nation wants success at the tournament Koné is key.

Bosnia and Herzegovina - Ermedin Demirovic (VfB Stuttgart)

The key man up top is undoubtably Demirovic and he will need to step up and be the main scoring option for Bosnia and Herzegovina. He was a key part of qualifying Stuttgart to the Champions league last season and the Europa League this season and will need to fire for Bosnia.

Qatar - Akram Afif (Al Sadd)

There was only ever going to be 1 man for Qatar in this list and it's Afif. Skilful, top dribbler, and a genuine goal-threat Afif will need to channel Asian-Cup winning form for his side this tournament.

Switzerland - Granit Xhaka (Sunderland)

Sunderland and Switzerland captain is the obvious choice. His antics in the friendly against Australia exposed an old underbelly in his mentality and frame of mind. If he can channel his attitude he displayed in his last year at Arsenal and beyond he will be the most important figure for Switzerland.

Brazil - Alex Sandro (Flamengo)

Former Juventus fullback Alex Sandro will be the main man at left back for the Brazilians. The reason for his importance this World Cup is that this is the weak point in the Brazilian team. If he doesn't perform will become a target for opposition teams.

Morocco - Achraf Hakimi (PSG)

It has to be Hakimi to perform for Morocco. His influence on his side got them deep into the knockouts last time around. His pace and ability to get up and down the field is so crucial for Moroccos play style.

Haiti - Jean-Ricner Bellegarde (Wolverhampton Wanderers)

Although Wolves suffered this season Bellegarde has been a consistent performer. His ability to play many positions in midfield and further forward, plus his experience playing in the EPL will make him the most key player for Haiti.

Scotland - Scott McTominay (Napoli)

If McTominay continues his recent Napoli form he could inspire a big run for Scotland. Back-to-back double figure goal Serie A seasons including 4 goals in the Champions League this season, he is ready for a huge tournament.

USA - Brenden Aaronson (Leeds United)

With all the overrated USA players right now, Aaronson is one of the few underrated players. His nifty footwork and through balls could be key to unlocking goals for the USA. The midfielder played 37 league games for Leeds and is fit and ready to be a point of difference.

Australia - Nestory Irankunda (Watford)

Man of the match against Switzerland, Irankunda is the point of difference for Australia. Set pieces, pace, strength, shot power, he could become a hero in this tournament. His link-up with Toure up top is a key duo.

Paraguay - Julio Enciso (Strasbourg)

The versatile forward will be front and centre if Paraguay make it past the group stage. His ability on the ball and his long range shooting ability could make him a cult hero of this World Cup.

Turkiye - Kenan Yildiz (Juventus)

If you don't know about Yildiz catch up, this guy will tear up this tournament. Turkiye will feel confident with the squad they have, but this man will be the key to success.

Germany - David Raum (RB Leipzig)

With Germany having many target men up front, balls into the box will be key tactically for Germany. The best crosser by far in this side is Raum, his crosses from left back could decide games for Germany.

Curacao - Juninho Bacuna (Volendam) and Leandro Bacuna (Igdir)

Curacao being the surprise qualifier of the World Cup. They have a tough group to crack. If they want to make history it'll be through effort and chemistry. You can't ask for better chemistry than brothers bossing the midfield together and the Bacuna brothers need a monumental effort together to create history for Curacao.

Côte d'Ivorie - Yan Diomande (RB Leipzig)

Being his age linked with the likes of PSG and Liverpool, you have to be doing a few things right. Diomande could be looking at the next 100 million pound winger so this tournament could indicate his true worth and weather the top sides in Europe will fork out big money to sign him.

Ecuador - Willian Pacho (PSG)

Ecuador's success will be off the back of their defence. The key man is Pacho, he is in the top 3 centre backs in world football right now, so his nation will rely on his quality if they want to succeed.

Netherlands - Jurriën Timber (Arsenal)

Arguably the most underrated player in football. Dribbles and passes like a midfielder, defends like a top centre back. If the Netherlands want to compete Timber is the key player.

Japan - Daizen Maeda (Celtic)

Fresh off a dramatic late winner for Celtic to win them the title Maeda will be Japan's most dangerous player in attack. With 20 goal involvements last season this could be a historic World Cup for Maeda and Japan.

Sweden - Alexander Isak (Liverpool)

Sweden desperately need Isak to hit form again. It could be the difference between winning and losing his impact is that large. If he can bring out his Newcastle form again his impact could be Haaland-like.

Tunisia - Ellyes Skhiri (Eintracht Frankfurt)

The midfield is where Tunisia could pull off victories this world cup. The main man at the centre of this midfield is Skhiri. Everything will go through him and he will control the tempo for Tunisia.

Belgium - Leandro Trossard (Arsenal)

If Belgium want to break their tournament underperforming curse Trossard is the key man. A key figure in Arsenal's title win, Trossard has a great habit of being the difference make in big games and big moments. This is his stage to continue this success.

Egypt - Mohamed Salah (Liverpool)

With the Egyptian king leaving Liverpool his mind should be totally focused on success for his country at the World Cup. Less distractions off the pitch should excite Egyptian fans, if Salah can hit the heights we all know he's capable of, opposition defences should be nervous.

Iran - Mehdi Taremi (Olympiacos)

The former Inter Milan striker Taremi is the poster boy of this Iran side and will spearhead the attack. Fresh off a solid season in Greece, he contributed 4 goal involvement in the Champions league, he can perform in big games and Iran will need him.

New Zealand - Chris Wood (Nottingham Forest)

New Zealand's poster boy is of course Chris Wood. Spent a lot of this season out injured but scored 34 goals in the EPL in the two previous seasons. New Zealand in their last World Cup appearance were the only team that didn't lose a game, ironically not making it past the group stage. If they can lock up defensively and spring opposition on the counter, Woods the man they want to play it to.

Spain - Mikel Oyarzabal (Real Sociedad)

Spain are short of quality options at striker, meaning the main man up top will be Oyarzabal. With 9 goal contributions in Spain's 6 World Cup qualifiers, he could be the man to help deliver a World Cup to add to Spains Euros victory.

Cape Verde - Jovane Cabral (Estrela Amadora)

One of only a few players for Cape Verde who play in a solid league. Cabral has been applying his trade in Portugal scoring 7 goals this season. His pace, directness, and set piece strengths will be key for any unlikely victory.

Uruguay - Federico Valverde (Real Madrid)

One of the world's best midfielders could seriously light up this World Cup. His technique when it comes to ball striking is one of the best in the world. Do not be surprised if he scores the goal of the tournament.

Saudi Arabia - Saud Abdulhamid (Lens)

Abdulhamid was probably Saudi Arabia's best player at the last world cup. His pace and calmness on the ball will be hugely important if Saudi Arabia want to cause more shocks this time around.

France - Rayan Cherki (Manchester City)

With France attack looking frightening, if they can continue to get the best out of Cherki, France win the World Cup. Alongside the likes of Dembele, Mbappe, Olise, and Doue, France could blitz this tournament.

Senegal - Iliman Ndiaye (Everton)

Top class down either wing or through the middle, Ndiaye could be the key piece to the puzzle for Senegal. His ability to score and set up goals could make Senegal into a dark horse, and with the quality of the attack around him, who knows what they could achieve.

Iraq - Zidane Iqbal (FC Utrecht)

Former Manchester United midfielder, Zidane Iqbal certainly has the name of a good footballer. However, his injuries and poor discipline has let him down. If he can have a coming of age tournament, we saw what Iraq can do against top sides and his quality could be key for more upsets.

Norway - Antonio Nusa (RB Leipzig)

With all eyes of course on Haaland I think Nusa will have a breakout tournament. If Norway gets there superstars firing, I think Nusa develops into the next Norwegian superstar. Pace, dribbling, crossing, finishing, Nusa has the attributes to boom this tournament into a hot commodity.

Argentina - Julián Álvarez (Atlético Madrid)

A man in all the headlines right now, Julián Álvarez needs to compartmentalise and put full focus on going back-to-back for Argentina. There's a reason he's linked with Arsenal and Barcelona. His finishing from range could produce wonder goals for the champions.

Algeria - Rayan Ait Nouri (Manchester City)

An incredibly technical and skilful side, Ait Nouri is such a threat from left back. Nico O'Reilly's success has made many people forget the skill and ability of Ait Nouri. If he can get up the pitch and become part of Algeria's attack, they could cause upsets.

Austria - Marko Arnautovic (Red Star Belgrade)

The weakest point of the squad is up top, so Austria and going to need the experience and energy of Arnautovic to get results. This team doesn't have a lot of goals in them so their main talisman bagging is key.

Jordan - Mousa Al-Tamari (Rennes)

The best player for Jordan by a mile is Mousa Al-Tamari. With 6 goal involvements in his last 9 appearances in the Asian cup, Al-Tamari needs to be Jordans main man yet again.

Portugal - Bruno Fernandes (Manchester United)

Fresh off a new EPL assists record, Portugal need the best out of Fernandes. With the pace they have up front and with their overlapping fullbacks, Fernandes should fancy his chances of racking up more assists. If they can click, Portugal can win this World Cup.

DR Congo - Yoane Wissa (Newcastle United)

One of the biggest transfer flops recently Wissa needs to recapture his Brentford form for DR Congo. DR Congo have a genuinely decent side so they really need their big players to set the tone, with Wissa bearing much of that responsibility, he needs to find his feet again.

Uzbekistan - Abdukodir Khusanov (Manchester City)

A great end to the season for Khusanov will excite Uzbekistan fans, they need their main man to lead their side this World Cup. Uzbekistan have a few decent options up front so they need to aim for as many clean sheets as possible and Khusanov is the key figure in their defence.

Colombia - Daniel Muñoz (Crystal Palace)

The key for Colombia is utilising their attacking fullbacks, and their best example is Muñoz. With the right back contributing 4 goals and 4 assists in 29 EPL appearances last season, Colombia need to seize their opportunity by letting Daniel Muñoz bomb up the line getting as forward as possible.

England - Harry Kane (Bayern Munich)

It has to be Kane for England. Arguably the best striker in Europe this season, if Kane can translate his form over to England they can go deep in this World Cup despite some surprise omissions.

Croatia - Josko Gvardiol (Manchester City)

Gvardiol is the key man at the back for Croatia tactically. With 4 centre back style defenders Croatia are going to rely on Gvardiol to produce something effective going forward. Getting this balance right will be key if Croatia want another fairytale World Cup run in 2026.

Ghana - Antoine Semenyo (Manchester City)

Yet another Manchester City player, Semenyo is everything you want from a winger. Fast, skilful, top finisher, and most importantly his quality with both feet. He's arguably the best two foot forward in the EPL right now and he could really stamp his mark this World Cup.

Panama - Ismael Díaz (León)

Díaz has been Panama's most effective player in recent tournaments, bagging 10 goals in his last 10 games of the Concacaf Gold Cup in 2023 and 2025. With Panama often deploying 5 at the back they need Díaz to take his chances if they have any chance of winning any games.