15 Hottest Players of World Cup 2026: Christian Pulisic & More Soccer Hunks
This World Cup season, international fans learning that chips and salsa are free in American restaurants isn’t the only thing that’s caught our attention. From passing glances in sports bars to swiping through our social media feeds, we can’t help but notice that nearly every FIFA player is incredibly hot. (Sorry, everyone. Most of them are taken, too.)
Whether you call it futbol or soccer, the love for FIFA is universal. It’s clear that the entire world has been locked into the World Cup 2026 drama from the first match in Mexico City on June 11. Now, every day through the final goal in the New Jersey final on July 19, these players will be plastered on our screens. Luckily, we don’t mind.
While we may not be your #1 source for soccer stats, Swooon is proud to share one ranking we are incredibly qualified to make: the 15 Hottest Players in the 2026 World Cup. Scroll to find out who made it onto our roster. Trust us, you will not be disappointed.
TV Guide Magazine’s 2026 World Cup Preview Special Issue is available for order online now at worldcup.tvgm2026.com and for purchase on newsstands nationwide.
Jude Bellingham (England)
If this whole soccer thing doesn’t work out, England’s Jude Bellingham could definitely be a model. Heck, why not both? The midfielder’s jawline and his overall swagger make him one of the players we’re swooning over the most while we watch the World Cup. — Avery Thompson
Christian Pulisic (United States)
Christian Pulisic was voted the most attractive member of the U.S. Men’s National Team, according to a poll conducted by The Lines, and we’re in full agreement. The 27-year-old’s recent GQ photoshoot is proof enough. The hair, the beard, the tattoos all make “Captain America” — a fitting nickname, even though he’s not blonde — a standout in the looks department. His soccer skills are just a cherry on top. — Morgan Pryor
Cho Gue-sung (South Korea)
After injuries and surgery complications, Cho Gue-sung is back in action on South Korea’s national team — much to the delight of fans who are just as interested in the eye candy as the game. The 28-year-old forward was dubbed the “Korean David Beckham” during 2022’s World Cup for his good looks, and obviously, they haven’t faded four years later. After that tournament, Gue-sung’s follower count skyrocketed. We’re sure he’ll catch just as many eyes (and plenty more followers) this time around. — Morgan Pryor
Joško Gvardiol (Croatia)
Okay, Joško Gvardiol looks like a book boyfriend come to life. Seriously, it’s like the Croatian player stepped out of the pages of a romantasy novel. ACOTAR fans, is he not giving total Cassian energy? You know you see it. — Avery Thompson
William Saliba (France)
France’s center-back bears a resemblance to Lewis Hamilton and got a shout-out from Jamie Foxx in 2025. The actor supported the athlete by posting a video holding up his jersey. Kind of a big deal! Saliba is notoriously private and not known to be in a relationship at the moment. — Alyssa Norwin
Ferran Torres (Spain)
Ferran Torres is in his prime at the World Cup, game and looks-wise. The 26-year-old is one of quite a few stunning players on the Spanish national team. Though Spain fans may not have gotten the result they wanted against Cape Verde in the first round, at least they were treated to 90 minutes of one of the best-looking teams in the tournament, helmed by Torres. — Morgan Pryor
Kai Havertz (Germany)
Is it just us, or does Germany’s forward Kai Havertz look exactly like that guy from Flushed Away? And we mean that as a very swoonworthy compliment. Hello, soccer’s Josh O’Connor! — Rebecca Perlmutter
Jackson Irvine (Australia)
There’s just something about a man who can rock a man bun. Australia’s Jackson Irvine just exudes Coolest Guy on the Field energy. The central midfielder really has a 10/10 look from head to toe — from the man bun to the tattoos to his mustache. We have no notes! — Avery Thompson
Vinícius Júnior (Brazil)
Vinícius Júnior scored his way right onto our hotties list during the Brazil versus Morocco match by being really good at the game. The match may have ended in a draw, but Vini Jr. won our hearts, and that must count for something, right? – Rebecca Perlmutter
Keito Nakamura (Japan)
We’re feeling inspired. Japan’s Keito Nakamura is really making us think about writing an entire romance novel inspired by the World Cup. He has a dreamy face that you just can’t forget. — Avery Thompson
Micky van de Ven (Holland)
The Dutch center-back, who plays for Holland, has been playing soccer professionally since 2019. Is anyone else seeing the resemblance to The White Lotus and One Day star Leo Woodall? Unfortunately, the footballer is taken, having recently debuted his relationship with British model Ella Buffin. – Alyssa Norwin
João Neves (Portugal)
The midfielder for Portugal could be Jamie Tartt’s (Phil Dunster) younger brother on Ted Lasso. He’s very taken, though, having been in a relationship with Madalena Aragão since 2024. Still fun to look at, right!? — Alyssa Norwin
Ricardo Rodriguez (Switzerland)
Here we are again, swooning over a man bun. The Swiss left-back truly has a face made for romance. His slicked-back hair, a little bit of sweating, and his sheer physicality? Yeah, we’re all about this guy. — Avery Thompson
Rodrigo De Paul (Argentina)
Argentine midfielder Rodrigo De Paul is tatted up like a Chipotle bag, and we are so here for it. Now that his bleach blonde era is over, he has landed himself squarely on our list of FIFA hotties. – Rebecca Perlmutter
Raul Jimenez (Mexico)
Raúl Jiménez is a 35-year-old striker representing Mexico in the World Cup. Fans have been calling Jiménez’s 2026 season a “miracle,” and we can’t help but agree. He’s returning to the field after a life-threatening injury, and we’re thrilled to see his smiling face again. — Rebecca Perlmutter
