The World Cup kicks off Thursday, bringing no shortage of star power. But as the sport’s biggest names descend on North America for the next month, it’s often the lesser-known players who can shape a tournament’s outcome.
Here are five under-the-radar players who could play outsized roles in determining how far their national teams advance.
Anderson, 23, was one of the few bright spots in 2025-26 for Nottingham Forest, which finished 16th in the Premier League. Per TNT Sports, Anderson led Premier League midfielders in several categories, including most duels and possessions won and successful passes.