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Some of the biggest names in soccer could play in Vancouver at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
B.C. Place will host five matches during the tournament group stage: Australia vs. Turkey (June 13), Canada vs. Qatar (June 18), New Zealand vs. Egypt (June 21), Switzerland vs. Canada (June 24), and New Zealand vs. Belgium (June 26).
The teams playing in Vancouver have confirmed their tournament squads, but which players actually step on the pitch will depend on fitness, tactics and lineup rotation.
Here are some of the big names who could feature in Vancouver:
Mohamed Salah, Egypt
Mohamed Salah could be one of the biggest stars to take the field in Vancouver. The Egypt captain, who spent several seasons with Liverpool, is joined in the squad by Manchester City forward Omar Marmoush and Al Ahly’s Trezeguet.
Egypt faces New Zealand at B.C. Place on June 21.
Kevin De Bruyne, Belgium
Napoli midfielder Kevin De Bruyne, a former Manchester City star, has been named to Belgium’s World Cup squad. Widely regarded as one of the best midfielders of his generation, De Bruyne has won multiple Premier League titles, a UEFA Champions League, and helped Belgium finish third at the 2018 World Cup.
Belgium is scheduled to face New Zealand at B.C. Place on June 26.
Alphonso Davies, Canada
Alphonso Davies is the biggest local name who could appear at B.C. Place. The Bayern Munich star and former Vancouver Whitecap has been named to Canada’s World Cup squad, though he is still working his way back from a hamstring injury he suffered in early May.
The 25-year-old from Edmonton, is joined in the squad by several other familiar names, including Jonathan David, Tajon Buchanan, Stephen Eustáquio and Cyle Larin.
Davies was the only Canadian to score a goal at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Canada plays Qatar on June 18 and Switzerland on June 24 in Vancouver.
Thibaut Courtois, Belgium
Thibaut Courtois is one of the world’s most accomplished goalkeepers. The Real Madrid goalkeeper has won La Liga and Premier League titles, as well as UEFA Champions League and FIFA Club World Cup titles. Courtois also won the Golden Glove award as best goalkeeper at the 2018 World Cup.
Romelu Lukaku, Belgium
Romelu Lukaku has been named to Belgium’s World Cup squad and remains the country’s all-time leading scorer. He travels with the team following an injury-hit season with limited playing time at Napoli.
Arda Güler, Turkey
Another name to watch is Arda Güler. The young Real Madrid attacker is regarded as one of the country’s brightest rising stars. He is joined in Turkey’s squad by Juventus forward Kenan Yıldız and captain Hakan Çalhanoğlu.
Turkey opens its World Cup in Vancouver against Australia on June 13.
Granit Xhaka, Switzerland
Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka could be one of the most important midfielders to play at B.C. Place. The veteran, who spent several seasons with Arsenal, is Switzerland’s all-time leader in games played. Switzerland faces Canada in Vancouver on June 24.
Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Turkey
Hakan Çalhanoğlu is one of the senior figures in Turkey’s squad. The Inter Milan midfielder captains the national team and is known for his passing, set pieces and ability to score from distance.
Tim Payne, New Zealand
New Zealand defender Tim Payne may be one of the more unexpected names to watch in Vancouver. The Wellington Phoenix player became a viral sensation before the tournament after Argentine influencer Valen Scarsini encouraged fans to follow the “least-known” player at the World Cup, sending Payne’s Instagram following from fewer than 5,000 to more than five million.
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