2026 FIFA World Cup: 20 Players Card Collectors Should Know

Now that the 2026 FIFA World Cup draw is complete, fans are already dissecting matchups, imagining dream scenarios, and circling dates on their calendars. But it’s not just the games that have collectors excited — this World Cup is shaping up to be the biggest year ever for soccer cards. With global icons, rising prodigies, and legends making their final bow, the card market is heating up like never before.

Here’s our countdown of the 20 most popular players heading into the tournament, ranked by social media following, card market demand, and sheer global influence.

20. Jeremy Doku (Belgium, Manchester City)

Doku’s fearless dribbling and blistering pace have made him a fan favorite at Manchester City. His rookie cards are gaining traction as collectors bet on his breakout potential. Belgium’s attack will lean on his energy, and his performances could send his card values soaring.

Doku’s most popular RC is in the 2020-21 Topps Finest UEFA Champions League set. His 2020 Panini Mosaic UEFA Euro RC is also sought after. The Topps Chrome SuperFractor from that season is the top selling Doku card, netting $12,821 on July 4, 2021. No other card has approached it to date.

Jeremy Doku cards for sale on eBay

19. Pedri (Spain, Barcelona)

Pedri’s vision and control make him Spain’s midfield prodigy. Already compared to Iniesta, he dictates tempo with maturity beyond his years. His rookie cards are rising steadily, especially among Barcelona collectors, and his partnership with Yamal could define Spain’s campaign.

The largest amount ever paid on eBay for a Pedri card was in a September sale of a 2020-21 Topps Chrome UEFA Pedri RC Rookie Red Refractor 2/10 graded PSA 10 that went for $8,000 in a fixed price sale.

Pedri cards for sale on eBay

18. Antoine Griezmann (France, Atlético Madrid)

Griezmann remains a fan favorite for his flair and consistency. His veteran presence has carried France through multiple tournaments, and his cards reflect steady demand. He may not be the flashiest star anymore, but his popularity endures.

The 34-year-old attacking midfielder had his rookie card  n the 2009-10 Mundicromo Las Fichas de la Liga set.

Only one Griezmann card has ever sold for as much as $5,000 publicly, according to Card Ladder. The most expensive Griezmann sale on eBay was a 2018 Panini Prizm World Cup Scope Landmarks PSA 10 1/1 that brought $3,000 in March, 2023.

Antoine Griezmann cards for sale on eBay

17. Alphonso Davies (Canada, Bayern Munich)

Davies is Canada’s poster boy, known for blistering speed and versatility. His inspiring journey from refugee to global star resonates deeply, and his rookie cards are highly sought after in North America. As Canada co‑hosts, he’ll be central to their campaign.

The most ever paid for a Davies card was the $9,119 for the 2022 Prizm World Cup Gold Vinyl 1/1 graded PSA 9 that sold on eBay in December 2023.

Alphonso Davies cards for sale on eBay

16. Christian Pulisic (USA, AC Milan)

“Captain America” is the face of U.S. soccer, and his popularity will soar with the World Cup on home soil. His Panini Prizm rookie cards are staples in the American market. At AC Milan, he’s revitalized his career, proving he can shine in Europe’s toughest leagues.

The most ever paid on eBay for a Pulisic card was in a 2023 fixed price sale when a 2016 PSA 10 Panini Select Signatures Green RC numbered out of 5 sold for $5,975. Last month, a PSA 10  2024-25 Panini Donruss FIFA Kaboom Gold Pulisic (#04/10)  reached $14,640 at Goldin.

Christian Pulisic cards for sale on eBay

15. Bukayo Saka (England, Arsenal)

Saka’s humility and skill make him one of England’s most beloved players. His performances for Arsenal and England have been consistent, with goals and assists in key matches. Collectors are snapping up his cards, seeing him as a long‑term star.

In April 2023, Saka’s 1/1 Topps Chrome UCL Merlin SuperFractor rookie sold for $9,400 in a fixed price sale. That realized price is more than double the price of any other eBay sale for a Saka card.

Bukayo Saka cards for sale on eBay

14. Jamal Musiala (Germany, Bayern Munich)

Musiala is Germany’s creative spark, dazzling with dribbles and flair. At Bayern Munich, he’s already a key figure despite his youth. His rookie cards are rising in value, and he represents Germany’s new generation of stars.

The most ever paid for a Musiala card on eBay was $10,000 in a Noveber 2024 fixed price sale for the 2020 Topps Merlin Soccer SuperFractor 1/1 rookie.

Jamal Musiala cards for sale on eBay

13. Luka Modrić (Croatia, Real Madrid)

At 40, Modrić is still a marvel of longevity and elegance. His 2018 Ballon d’Or and World Cup heroics made him a global favorite. His rare Real Madrid autographs are prized by collectors. This World Cup will likely be his swan song.

The biggest Modric sale on eBay was in November 2023 when his PSA 10 2017 Topps Chrome UEFA Champions League Red Refractor sold for $10,100.

Luka Modric cards for sale on eBay

12. Kevin De Bruyne (Belgium, Manchester City)

De Bruyne’s vision and passing make him one of the best midfielders of his era. His consistency at Manchester City has cemented his legacy. His cards remain steady performers, reflecting his reliability and influence.

In September 2024 an ungraded 2022-23 Topps Dynasty UEFA Gold Patch Auto 1 of 1 sold on eBay for $7,250.

Kevin De Bruyne cards for sale on eBay

11. Robert Lewandowski (Poland, Barcelona)

Lewandowski is one of the most respected strikers of his generation. His professionalism and goal‑scoring record have earned admiration globally. His Bundesliga‑era rookie cards remain strong in the market, and he continues to lead Barcelona’s attack.

In May 2023, the 2018-19 Topps Chrome Budasliga SuperFractor 1/1 graded 9 by SGC sold on eBay for $9,000.

Robert Lewandowski cards for sale on eBay

10. Mohamed Salah (Egypt, Liverpool)

Salah is adored worldwide, especially across Africa and the Middle East. His pace, finishing, and humility have made him Liverpool’s talisman. His rookie Basel cards and Liverpool autographs are highly valued. Even if Egypt’s path is uncertain, his popularity is undeniable.

Last month, the 2018 Panini Prizm FIFA World Cup Black Prizm 1 of 1 sold for $29,280 at Goldin despite a relatively pedestrian PSA 5 grade.

Mohamed Salah cards for sale on eBay

9. Harry Kane (England, Bayern Munich)

England’s captain and record scorer, Kane is admired for his consistency and professionalism. His move to Bayern Munich has added international appeal. His cards remain strong investments, tied to his Premier League legacy.

The record for a Kane card sale on eBay was a 2020 Panini Chronicles EPL Spectra Black Circles Auto 1/1 PSA 10 that sold for $6,400 in January 2023.

Harry Kane cards for sale on eBay

8. Vinícius Júnior (Brazil, Real Madrid)

Vinícius dazzles with dribbles and decisive goals, making him Brazil’s most exciting attacker. His Champions League heroics have made him a household name. His cards are rising fast, especially among younger collectors.

Vinicius Junior’s rookie cards are in the 2018-19 card sets. His biggest eBay sale, however, was not a rookie. It was an ungraded 2022-23 Topps Dynasty UEFA UCL 1/1 that went for $7,700 about a year ago.

Vinicius Junior cards for sale on eBay

7. Neymar Jr. (Brazil, Al‑Hilal)

Neymar remains one of the most followed athletes worldwide, with 200M+ fans tracking his every move. His flair and creativity make him Brazil’s star attraction. His Barcelona‑era rookie cards are still highly collectible.

In Nov ember 2024, a Neymar Jr. 2022 Topps Dynasty UEFA Champions League Game Worn Gold Patch Auto 1 of 1sold for $9,000.

Neymar Jr. cards for sale on eBay

6. Jude Bellingham (England, Real Madrid)

Bellingham has quickly become England’s midfield leader at just 22. His move to Real Madrid has been transformative, with goals and assists in big matches. His cards are among the most chased in Europe, reflecting his superstar trajectory.

As Bellingham’s star power continues to rise, so are the high end sales of his 2020 and 2020-21 rookie cards. Last month (Nov. 4, 2025), the 2020-21 Topps Merlin Chrome SuperFractor sold in an eBay fixed price sale for $40,000. That broke the previous eBay high for a Bellingham card.

Jude Bellingham cards for sale on eBay

5. Lamine Yamal (Spain, Barcelona)

At just 18, Yamal is already rewriting records for Spain and Barcelona. His confidence and skill have drawn comparisons to Messi, and his rookie cards are among the most hyped in the hobby. Collectors see him as a generational investment, and fans see him as Spain’s future. With Spain favored and Yamal getting better and better with each season, he is expected by many to be the breakout star of the 2026 World Cup.

In the last 15 months, four Yamal cards have topped the six-figure mark, led by the 2024 Topps Chrome UEFA Euro Chrome Autographs SuperFractor autograph.  Carrying PSA 10 grades for the card and autograph, it reached $396,500.

Lamine Yamal cards for sale on eBay

4. Erling Haaland (Norway, Manchester City)

Haaland is a phenomenon, scoring goals at a record pace for Manchester City. His rookie cards (Topps Chrome Bundesliga) are skyrocketing in value. Norway’s qualification is historic, and Haaland’s presence guarantees global attention.

In September of 2024, a 2018 Panini Prizm World Cup Gold Power Mbappe rookie, numbered to 5 and graded BGS 9.5 sold for $96,000.

Erling Haaland cards for sale on eBay

3. Kylian Mbappé (France, PSG)

Mbappé is the face of the new generation, already a World Cup winner and finalist. His blistering pace and clinical finishing make him one of the most feared forwards in the world. His rookie cards from Monaco and PSG are among the hottest in soccer collecting.

His first cards and stickers are in the 2017-18 sets.

On Aug. 29, 2025 a National Treasures Road To Qatar Platinum Auto Black 1/1 sold on eBay for $25,000, which was the highest price ever paid for an Mbappe card.

Kylian Mbappe cards for sale on eBay

2. Cristiano Ronaldo (Portugal, Al‑Nassr)

Ronaldo is still the most followed athlete on Earth (600M+), and his cards remain staples in the hobby. At 40, he continues scoring prolifically in Saudi Arabia, proving his fitness and determination. His charisma and relentless drive make him a magnet for attention.

In August, a PSA 10 2002 Panini Sports Mega Craques Ronaldo rookie netted $121,026 via Fanatics Collect.

Cristiano Ronaldo cards for sale on eBay

1. Lionel Messi (Argentina, Inter Miami)

Messi tops the list with over 500M followers and skyrocketing card values after winning the MLS Cup. His 2022 World Cup triumph cemented his legacy, and his U.S. presence has made him even more marketable. Collectors chase his rookie Barcelona cards and modern Panini Prizm issues, which remain grails in the hobby. At 39, this World Cup feels like a farewell tour, but his influence is unmatched.

In September, a PSA 10 2004-05 Panini Megacracks #71 Messi Rookie rookie card sold for $960,000 via Fanatics Collect.

Lionel Messi cards for sale on eBay

With the draw complete, the countdown is on. These 20 players aren’t just shaping the tournament — they’re shaping the soccer card market, which is poised for its biggest boom ever. From Messi’s farewell to Yamal’s rise, collectors and fans alike are bracing for a World Cup that will be remembered both on the pitch and in the hobby.