The Brazilian, Argentinian, Portuguese, French and English aces will be fighting for supremacy across a number of fronts as they top the list of contenders for the Golden Boot Award while their respective nations are among the favourites to lift the trophy.
But there’s more to this winter’s major tournament than the aforementioned quintet. Every four years we’re treated to an array of weird and wonderful storylines, an inspiring and heart-warming underdog tale and a diamond or two that emerge from the rough.
There are 26 players from the Championship attending the 22nd instalment of the biggest and best competition on the planet and they could be one of those individuals to hit the headlines for one reason or another.
So, who are they?

9. Olivier Ntcham (Cameroon)
Club: Swansea City. Championship Appearances (2022-23): 19. Goals: 5. Assists: 2. Yellow Cards: 2. Photo: Ryan Hiscott

10. Ilias Chair (Morocco)
Club: QPR. Championship Appearances (2022-23): 21. Goals: 3. Assists: 6. Yellow Cards: 1. Photo: Stu Forster

11. Krystian Bielik (Poland)
Club: Birmingham City. Championship Appearances (2022-23): 13. Assists: 1. Yellow Cards: 5. Photo: Graham Chadwick

12. Iliman Ndiaye (Senegal)
Club: Sheffield United. Championship Appearances (2022-23): 21. Goals: 9. Assists: 2. Yellow Cards: 3. Photo: Cameron Smith

