Bhaichung Bhutia Backs Yamal and Haaland to Shine at FIFA World Cup 2026
Former Indian football captain Bhaichung Bhutia has tipped Lamine Yamal and Erling Haaland as two of the biggest stars to watch at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Bhutia believes both players can make a major impact in their first World Cup appearances.
He also named Brazil, Japan, and Ecuador as potential dark horses.
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaches, former India captain Bhaichung Bhutia has identified two young stars who could shape the tournament and the future of football. Bhutia believes Spain’s Lamine Yamal and Norway’s Erling Haaland will be among the most exciting players to watch in their first World Cup appearances. He noted that Yamal, despite recent injury concerns, has already built an impressive resume with 2 La Liga titles, the UEFA Euro 2024 crown, and back-to-back Kopa Trophy wins.
Haaland, meanwhile, arrives with a remarkable collection of honours, including the 2022–23 European Golden Shoe, UEFA Men’s Player of the Year award, 2 Premier League Golden Boots, and 2 Champions League Golden Boots. Bhutia also praised Kylian Mbappe, calling him one of the game’s biggest stars after his World Cup success with France and his outstanding performances on the global stage. Looking at potential surprise packages, Bhutia named Brazil, Japan, and Ecuador as teams capable of exceeding expectations.
He feels Brazil are no longer among the clear favourites despite their rich World Cup history, while Japan’s strong recent performances make them a dangerous side. Ecuador, according to Bhutia, could emerge as a dark horse because of their defensive strength. He was less convinced about Norway’s chances, suggesting that adapting to hot and humid conditions could prove difficult despite Haaland’s presence.
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