Lionel Messi, Ousmane Dembélé, Kylian Mbappé, Rodri, and Harry Kane are just some of the footballing superstars who will bring their brilliance to the revamped FIFA Club World Cup.

The tournament, which will take place from this Saturday through Sunday, July 13, in North America, serves as a dress rehearsal for the 2026 World Cup and represents one of FIFA major bets to further grow global interest in the sport.

Here are five players to watch in this highly anticipated competition:

Lionel Messi: The Penultimate Dance?

For many, he the greatest player in football history. Lionel Messi has nothing left to prove. A winner of every major title, both at club and international level, this Club World Cup serves as a crucial test of his form ahead of the 2026 World Cup, where he could become the first player ever to compete in six editions of the tournament.

Just days away from turning 38 his birthday is June 24 “La Pulga” also has the chance to lead Inter Miami to its first major international title, after early exits in the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals and the MLS playoffs.

Ousmane Dembélé: On the Path to the Ballon d’Or

“Ousmane Dembélé deserves the Ballon d’Or,” said French national team coach Didier Deschamps and he may have a point.

At 28, the ambidextrous forward has finally broken through with a stellar season at Paris Saint-Germain. After years of inconsistency at Barcelona, Dembélé reached new heights in Paris, winning everything including the UEFA Champions League.

With 17 year old sensation Lamine Yamal absent from the tournament, Dembélé leads a PSG squad that is a serious contender. If he maintains his current form, the road to the Ballon d’Or will be wide open.

Kylian Mbappé: Hungry for Redemption

Kylian Mbappé arrives at the Club World Cup with a point to prove. His debut season at Real Madrid had its highs and lows. Despite winning the European Golden Boot with 31 goals in La Liga, he missed out on major titles like the Champions League, La Liga, and Copa del Rey.

“This is the first time we’ll play in a competition like this. It’s something new for us, but also a great opportunity to become world champions with our club,” Mbappé said. The hunger for success is clearly there.

Rodri: Restoring Balance at City

Reigning Ballon d’Or winner Rodri returned to action in May for Manchester City after a serious knee injury and his comeback might just be Pep Guardiola most important “signing” ahead of the Club World Cup.

The Spanish midfielder is a stabilizing force, and his presence could be decisive for the English side title hopes.

Harry Kane: Still Chasing Glory

At 31, Harry Kane finally lifted his first major trophy the Bundesliga title with Bayern Munich last month. Long considered one of football’s best strikers, the English forward had gone years without silverware.

Now, with that first title in hand, Kane heads into the Club World Cup eager to keep adding to his collection with the German powerhouse.

The tournament promises to be a showcase of elite talent global stars ready to prove their worth, chase glory, and cement their legacies on the world stage.