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?

17. Rubin Colwill (Wales)
Club: Cardiff City. Championship Appearances (2022-23): 9. Yellow Cards: 1. Photo: CameraSport - Ian Cook

18. Harry Souttar (Australia)
Club: Stoke City. Championship Appearances (2022-23): 1. Clean Sheets: 1. Photo: Nathan Stirk

19. Bailey Wright (Australia)
Club: Sunderland. Championship Appearances (2022-23): 10. Clean Sheets: 3. Yellow Cards: 2. Photo: Clive Brunskill

20. Baba Rahman (Ghana)
Club: Reading. Championship Appearances (2022-23): 10. Clean Sheets: 3. Yellow Cards: 4. Photo: Ryan Pierse

