8 biggest soccer stars coming to Toronto for FIFA World Cup

The lineups are nearly set, and the countdown is on.

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup less than two weeks away, some of the biggest names in the soccer world are about to take over Toronto. The city is preparing to host an influx of international fans for six matches at Toronto Stadium (BMO Field) between June 12 and July 2.

From legendary stars possibly playing in their final FIFA World Cup to rising young talent, here's a look at the biggest names coming to Toronto.

Alphonso Davies (Canada)

Alphonso Davies scored Canada's first and only goal at a FIFA World Cup against Croatia in 2022. (Martin Bazyl/Canada Soccer)

How could this list start with anyone other than Canada's captain?

Alphonso Davies is no doubt the face of Canadian soccer right now. The Bayern Munich star has helped put Canada's soccer program in conversation and will be a huge attraction for the opening match against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Toronto — if he's healthy enough to play.

Canada head coach Jesse Marsch said on May 25 that he hasn't completely ruled Davies out for the opener, but admitted he may not be ready.

Sadio Mané (Senegal)

There aren't many African players more popular than Sadio Mané.

The Senegalese striker became a global star during his time with Liverpool before continuing his success with Bayern Munich. No matter where he's played, Mané has consistently found ways to score.

At 34, this could potentially be Mané's final FIFA World Cup appearance. Senegal will play Iraq in Toronto on June 26.

Joshua Kimmich (Germany)

German national team captain Joshua Kimmich does a little bit of everything and has become one of the best defensive midfielders in the world.

The Bayern Munich star headlines one of Toronto's marquee Group E matchups when Germany faces Côte d'Ivoire on June 20.

Edin Džeko (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Edin Džeko (11) is the captain of the Bosnia and Herzegovina football team. (Ailura/WC)

At 40, Edin Džeko may be one of the oldest players in the tournament, but he's also one of the most accomplished — scoring more than 400 goals during his professional career.

When his national team punched its ticket to the 2026 FIFA World Cup with a playoff win over Italy in March, Džeko was seen celebrating with fans post-game.

Bosnia and Herzegovina are looking to spoil Canada's World Cup opening party on June 12.

Jamal Musiala (Germany)

Jamal Musiala is already a star with Bayern Munich, but this 2026 FIFA World Cup is a chance for the 23-year-old to become the game's next full-blown global superstar.

Musiala's dribbling ability and creativity on the ball are unlike any other player, and he'll be in action on June 20 in Toronto against Côte d'Ivoire.

Luka Modrić (Croatia)

Luka Modrić (10) captained Croatia to a third-place finish at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. (Nathan Ray Seebeck/Imagn Images)

When you think of soccer royalty, it's hard to leave Croatia's Luka Modrić off the list of all-time superstars.

The former Real Madrid midfielder is widely regarded as one of the greatest midfielders in soccer history and the 40-year-old will captain Croatia in what is likely his final FIFA World Cup appearance.

Croatia will face Panama in Toronto on June 23 in Group L action, plus the team could also be back in the city for the Round of 32 game if they finish second in the group.

Antoine Semenyo (Ghana)

If you're a fan of players with flair and style, you'll certainly like young Ghanaian star Antonie Semenyo.

The 26-year-old is coming off a breakout season with Manchester City in the Premier League and plays the game like an old-school power striker.

Ghana plays in Toronto June 17 against Panama.

Manuel Neuer (Germany)

Longtime German netminder Manuel Neuer helped lead his country to a World Cup title in 2014 and won the tournament's Golden Glove award as the best goalkeeper.

Like Modrić and Džeko, the 40-year-old is likely appearing in his final World Cup. He could be in the net when Germany faces Côte d'Ivoire in Toronto on June 20.