The World Cup that could have looked completely different

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will feature several stars who grew up between two cultures, were born in different countries, or had family roots that allowed them to choose between multiple national teams.

Some chose the country where they were born, others followed their family heritage, and a few made decisions based on their international future. What is certain is that many of these choices completely changed the landscape of world football and could have dramatically altered the World Cup we will see in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Achraf Hakimi

Although he was born in Madrid and developed in the Real Madrid academy, the PSG full-back chose to represent Morocco, the country of his parents. That decision became historic for Moroccan football, as he emerged as the leader of the generation that reached the semifinals of the 2022 World Cup.

Erling Haaland

The Manchester City superstar was born in England while his father played for Leeds United, meaning he was eligible to represent the Three Lions. However, the prolific striker always made it clear that he wanted to play for Norway, the national team he will finally represent at his first World Cup.

Dean Huijsen

The young defender was born in the Netherlands but ultimately chose Spain after developing within the Spanish football system. La Roja secured one of the most promising young center-backs in Europe ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Kevin De Bruyne

Few people know that the Manchester City midfielder was eligible to represent Burundi through his mother’s family roots. Instead, he chose Belgium and eventually became the leader of the country’s golden generation.

Kylian Mbappé

The father of the Real Madrid superstar was born in Cameroon, opening the possibility for the striker to represent the African nation. Nevertheless, he chose France, the country with which he already lifted the World Cup trophy in 2018.

Jamal Musiala

Although he was born in Germany, the Bayern Munich playmaker spent much of his childhood in England and even represented England at youth level. In the end, he chose Germany, where he is now considered one of the faces of the country’s new generation.

Dani Olmo

After spending years developing in Croatian football with Dinamo Zagreb, many believed the attacker could eventually represent Croatia. However, the FC Barcelona player always remained committed to playing for Spain.

Christian Pulisic

The family roots of the AC Milan star gave him the option to represent Croatia, but he ultimately chose the United States, quickly becoming the biggest face of American soccer.

Santiago Giménez

Although he was born in Argentina, the AC Milan striker chose to represent Mexico, the country where he grew up and where his father, Christian “Chaco” Giménez, became a major football figure.

Raphinha

Thanks to his Italian family roots, the FC Barcelona winger was eligible to play for Italy, but he always dreamed of wearing the shirt of Brazil, the national team he will lead into the 2026 World Cup as one of its main attacking stars.

Declan Rice

Before becoming one of England’s biggest stars, the Arsenal midfielder even played matches for the Republic of Ireland senior national team. However, because he had not appeared in official competitive matches, he was able to switch federations and eventually establish himself as one of England’s best midfielders.

Lamine Yamal

Thanks to his father’s Moroccan roots, the FC Barcelona wonderkid had the option to represent Morocco. Instead, he chose Spain, where he is already expected to become one of the biggest faces of the 2026 World Cup.

David Alaba

The Real Madrid defender was eligible to represent Nigeria through his father and Philippines through his mother. However, he chose Austria, becoming the captain and biggest star of the national team for more than a decade.

N’Golo Kanté

The parents of the French midfielder were born in Mali, giving him the option to represent the African nation. Instead, the former Chelsea star chose France and became a key player in the team that won the 2018 World Cup.

Romelu Lukaku

Belgium’s all-time leading scorer had the option of representing the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the homeland of his parents. Nevertheless, the striker chose Belgium and became one of the defining players of the country’s golden generation.

Virgil van Dijk

The captain of the Netherlands was eligible to play for Suriname through his mother’s family roots. Instead, the Liverpool defender chose the Oranje and became one of the most dominant center-backs of his generation.

Luka Modric

Although he was born in territory that today belongs to Bosnia and Herzegovina, the legendary Real Madrid midfielder ended up representing Croatia after his family relocated during the war. That decision changed Croatian football history forever, turning him into the greatest player the country has ever produced.

Follow all the action from the 2026 FIFA World Cup on beIN SPORTS.

Watch beIN SPORTS Xtra live for free on YouTube