The characters of the 2026 World Cup: life stories that mark the World Cup
He World Cup 2026 will have protagonists, stars and unexpected revelations. The review of all character life stories that can define the most important tournament in soccer, which begins on June 11 and ends on July 19 with the final in New Jersey.
The characters of the 2026 World Cup: life stories
GROUP B
Lopetegui seeks redemption in the World Cup with Qatar after the chaos of 2018
After the turbulent episode that left him out of the 2018 World Cup just hours before his debut, Julen Lopetegui faces the opportunity to rewrite its history with Qatar. Between sporting challenges and a personal search for vindication, the coach reaches 2026 with his sights set on a new beginning.
GROUP C
This is Othmane Maamma, “the Moroccan Cristiano Ronaldo”
At 20 years old and with a dazzling U20 World Cup, the Moroccan winger is already seducing Europe and dreams of a place among those called up for the 2026 World Cup in one of the teams that wants to fight.
GROUP D
Pochettino, the leader of the illusion of the United States
Mauricio Pochettino, trained in the land of champions, takes on the challenge of guiding the United States in the 2026 World Cup. His international experience and leadership capacity fuel the enthusiasm of a team that seeks to take a historic leap in the biggest event.
Diego Kochen, the guardian of the four borders who saves for the United States in the 2026 World Cup
With roots that span four countries and an identity marked by diversity, Diego Kochen becomes a symbol of a multicultural United States in the 2026 World Cup. His personal story and his present under the three suits reflect how soccer can bridge borders and project new generations.
Alfaro excites Paraguay in the 2026 World Cup and renews the Argentine tradition in the Albirroja
Gustavo Alfaro took on the challenge of leading Paraguay and took it to the 2026 World Cup with renewed enthusiasm. His Argentine imprint and his ability to revitalize the Albirroja tradition make him a key reference in this new stage.
Tony Popovic: Croatian roots and English training for an Australian emblem in the 2026 World Cup
With an identity marked by his Croatian roots and a football training shaped in England, Tony Popovic is presented as one of the most representative figures of Australia heading to the 2026 World Cup. His career, leadership and vision consolidate him as a key reference in the new stage of the Socceroos.
GROUP E
Beccacece, the man of codes who took Ecuador to the 2026 World Cup
Sebastián Beccacece, faithful to his codes and convictions, led Ecuador towards the 2026 World Cup. His intense style and his commitment to the team’s football identity consolidate him as one of the most influential coaches of the new South American generation.
Moisés Caicedo arrives at the 2026 World Cup with a thirst for revenge and the desire to make history with Ecuador
After the bitter experience of 2022, Caicedo faces the World Cup with the determination to leave his mark. The Ecuadorian midfielder is the symbol of a team that seeks revenge and dreams of writing a historic chapter on football’s biggest stage.
GROUP H
Bielsa and the third chance, now with Uruguay
El Loco faces his third World Cup experience, this time leading Uruguay. His intense style and tactical vision are put to the test again in the biggest event, with the hope of leaving a lasting mark on the Celeste.
Adriano Custodio Mendes, the link between Cape Verde and Argentina and also with Uruguay
The story of Adriano Custodio Mendes connects three worlds: Cape Verde, Argentina and Uruguay. His football and personal journey makes him a cultural and sporting bridge that leads to the 2026 World Cup, where he will seek to leave his mark with his team.
Federico Valverde, the heir to the ribbon and the spirit of Uruguay in the World Cup
Federico Valverde, a reference for Real Madrid and the Uruguayan team, is emerging as the natural heir to the captain’s ribbon. His leadership, character and competitive spirit must make him the figure that embodies the Uruguayan identity heading to the 2026 World Cup.
Salem Al-Dawsari, the face of Saudi expansion
The Saudi captain became a symbol of Saudi Arabia’s football ambition. With international experience and decisive goals, Al-Dawsari embodies the expansion project that seeks to consolidate his team in the elite heading to the 2026 World Cup.
The Indian Solari effect in Saudi Arabia 1994 and a mark that reaches the 2026 World Cup
Indio Solari’s influence in Saudi Arabia during the 1994 World Cup left a cultural and football mark that still lasts. That footprint is projected until the 2026 World Cup, where the memory of that impact continues to inspire new generations.
GROUP J
Messi, the last World Cup with Argentina “at home”
The Argentine captain faces the 2026 World Cup as the last big event with the albiceleste shirt. A story full of emotion, legacy and the dream of saying goodbye on top in front of his people.
Luca Zidane closes the circle between France and Algeria in the 2026 World Cup
The son of the historic French player represents the country of his ancestors and, from the goal, will be one of the pillars of the Algeria National Team that wants to make history in the 2026 World Cup.
Ibrahim Maza, the German talent that Algeria will enjoy in the 2026 World Cup
Ibrahim Maza, trained in the German youth teams, made a life decision: to wear the Algerian shirt in the 2026 World Cup. His story symbolizes the migratory and soccer bond between Algiers and Berlin, and projects him as one of the great promises that will seek to shine at the biggest event.
This is Mousa Al-Tamari, the “Jordanian Messi” who will face Argentina in the World Cup
Mousa Al-Tamari, considered the best footballer in Jordan, has earned the nickname “Jordanian Messi” for his talent and offensive imbalance. In the 2026 World Cup they will have the opportunity to face Argentina, carrying with them the hopes of an entire country.
Ricardo Carugati, the Argentine who was coach of Jordan: a dream that could not escape tragedy
The story of Ricardo Carugati, an Argentine who led Jordan, mixes illusion and tragedy. His time with the Asian team left an indelible mark, marked by the dream of growing up in international football and a painful outcome that is still remembered heading into the 2026 World Cup.
GROUP K
Colombia returns to a World Cup in the United States with Andrés Escobar in the memory
After 32 years, the World Cup returns to the United States, the place where Colombian soccer was forever hurt. The story of Andrés Escobar is remembered at every moment, but with the Tricolor in those lands, its presence will be even stronger.
Fabio Cannavaro, the forgotten Ballon d’Or who wants to resurface as a manager from the steppe of Uzbekistan
The historic Italian defender, world champion and Ballon d’Or winner in 2006, faces an unexpected challenge: leading Uzbekistan towards the 2026 World Cup. A story that mixes prestige, adaptation and the search for transcendence in an unusual setting.
Lorenzo, the versatile coach who had Colombia marked in his destiny
Néstor Lorenzo, with a career marked by versatility and international experience, found in Colombia the destiny that seemed written. His leadership and ability to adapt make him the key piece of the team heading to the 2026 World Cup.
GROUP L
Modric, a life dedicated to football: he will play his fifth World Cup with Croatia in 2026
At 40 years old, Luka Modric faces his fifth World Cup as the eternal emblem of Croatia. With a career marked by excellence, leadership and extraordinary validity, the midfielder reaches 2026 determined to compete at the highest level in what could be his last major international event.
