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World Cup Players to Watch

Top 20 players in the World Cup Tournament

(odds from DraftKings to Win FIFA Player of the Tournament)

Ready for the World Cup? Americans and others who are casual fans and bettors at worst need to know about some of the stars in this tournament. Of course, you can bet all sorts of individual props including FIFA Player of the Tournament and Top Goalscorer. Kylian Mbappe (+600) of France is the favorite to win the top goalscorer, but not to win the FIFA Player of the Tournament.

1)Lamine Yamal (+800), Spain

The young left-footer scored 16 goals and produced 11 assists in Barcelona’s La Liga-winning campaign. He is the best dribbler and has a shot of being the best player in the tournament at just 18 (he’ll turn 19 on July 13).

2)Harry Kane (+800), England

The veteran forward shows no signs of slowing down at 32. He’s England’s all-time top scorer in international football and in his last 11 games for the Three Lions, with 11 goals.

3)Michael Olise (+900), France

The winger who played for Bayern Munich and was born in London. He could have represented England, Algeria or Nigeria at the international level. His first season in Germany saw him record 27 goals in 34 Bundesliga appearances. He followed that up with 34 goals in 32 appearances this season.

4)Kylian Mbappe (+900), France

Mbappe made his debut at the 2018 World Cup as a 19-year-old. He was one of the fastest players in the world, but also had the poise to help France win the title. He scored eight times in the next World Cup. At 27, he struggled at the club level with Real Madrid but still finished as the league’s top goalscorer.

5)Lionel Messi (+1200), Argentina

The legend is back at 38 years old to attempt to give Argentina another title. His legacy is already pretty well-cemented, but another title would put him above everyone. He had 12 goals and seven assists in 14 appearances for Inter Miami in the MSL.

6)Pedri (+1400), Spain

Another young forward, at 18, led Spain at the European Championship in 2021. He’s had injury issues that have hampered him since, missing 73 games with hamstring problems. When healthy, he’s one of the best midfielders in the world.

7)Vincius Junior (+1600), Brazil

The 25-year-old is a blur as an attacker. Played for La Liga club Real Madrid. He’s known for his pace, technique, and dribbling ability. Has something to prove in this tournament.

8)Bruno Fernandes (+1800), Portugal

Fernandes broke the record for assists in a single Premier League season with 21, despite playing mostly a defensive midfield role. He’ll attack more for Portugal, opening up chances for Ronaldo and others.

9)Declan Rice (+2000), England

The 27-year old midfield has played more than 250 games in the last five seasons. That’s in two with West Ham and three with Arsenal.

10)Raphinha (+2000), Brazil

Another player dealing with hamstring injuries, Raphinha had 21 goals and eight assists in 33 games for Barcelona this past season, after netting 34 goals and 26 assists in 57 games when he was healthy.

11)Vitinha (+2000), Portugal

The 26-year-old plays a high-octane style that fits this team. He also plays alongside Bruno Fernandes, Joao Neves and Bernardo Silva, which gives Portugal arguably the best midfield in the World Cup. He finished third in the Ballon d’Or voting. He’s a winner.

12)Cristiano Ronaldo (+2500), Portugal

This might be a little high for the 41-year-old, but you can’t dismiss his experience or his nearly 1,000 goals for his career.

13)Rodri Hernandez (+2500), Spain

Another great player for Spain, Rodri missed most of the 2024-25 season with Manchester City. He returned in 2025-26, and City won both the League Cup and FA Cup. They also pushed Arsenal for the PL title. When healthy, the 29-year-old is one of the top defensive midfielders in the world.

14)Ousmane Dembele (+2800), France

The 20-year-old has scored 45 goals in all competitions at home and in Europe. He’s had a lot of freedom and will not play for a more rigid French team.

15)Jude Bellingham (+2800), England

The 22-year-old is one of the best players of his age with a strong level of physicality. He has also dealt with injuries, missing over 100 days of the campaign. Was the player of the year in the Bundesliga in 2023 and La Liga in 2024. Has 46 appearances for the national team.

16)Erling Braul Haaland (+2800), Norway

The 6-5 forward has scored 55 goals in 49 appearances for a Norway team making its first appearance in the World Cup in 28 years. He also has three Premier League Golden Boots in four seasons in England’s north-west.

17)Fabian Ruiz (+3000), Spain

Ruiz started six of Spain’s seven games and was named in the team of the tournament at Euro 2024. Is an excellent passer at midfield. The 30-year-old will play in his first World Cup.

18)Bukayo Saka (+3500), England

Saka keeps returning from injury issues. He scored seven goals and assisted on seven despite missing seven games for Arsenal as they clinched the PL title. He’s also just 24.

19)Mikel Oyrazabal (+3500), Spain

The forward is clutch, scoring against England with just four minutes left in the Euro 2024 final. He’s very unselfish, which is fine for this talented Spanish team.

20)Mathis Rayan Cherki (+3500), France

The 22-year-old forward is more about winning than stats. He is coming off a strong season with Manchester City, where he scored a tremendous goal against Arsenal in the league.

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Upcoming Events at ATS:

• The World Cup starts this Thursday, June 11, and runs through July 19. Consists of 48 teams mainly playing in the United States. It’s the biggest event in the world. 
• UFC Freedom 250 on Sunday, June 14. One of the biggest events of the year. This one is at the South Lawn of the White House with two big title fights. 

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