World Cup Countdown: Mbappé, Haaland, Vinícius among stars facing fitness, form concerns

Form and fitness worries are casting a shadow over some of football’s biggest names just weeks before the World Cup kicks off, as attention turns to the players expected to carry the hopes of their nations at the first-ever 48-team finals in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

AFP Sports highlights five global stars whose conditions and performances could define the tournament:

Kylian Mbappé (France)

The French forward remains central to his country’s ambitions and could become the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history during the tournament. However, he arrives under scrutiny after an underwhelming spell at Real Madrid, where he is yet to win a major trophy in two seasons despite his prolific scoring record.

Questions have also been raised over his fitness management after he reportedly went on holiday while nursing a hamstring injury at the end of the season. Still, the World Cup offers him another chance to shine after scoring eight goals in 2022, including a hat-trick in the final against Argentina.

Mbappé is just four goals away from Miroslav Klose’s record of 16 World Cup goals.

Erling Haaland (Norway)

The Manchester City striker is set for his first major international tournament after helping Norway end a 28-year wait to reach the World Cup.

Haaland scored 16 goals in eight qualifying matches, taking his international tally to 55 in 49 appearances. He will lead a promising Norwegian side featuring Martin Ødegaard, but faces a tough group alongside France and Senegal.

Vinícius Júnior (Brazil)

With Neymar’s future uncertain, Vinícius is expected to be Brazil’s main attacking force as they chase a sixth World Cup title.

Despite sharing the spotlight with Mbappé at Real Madrid, the Brazilian forward will look to cement his status as a national hero and potential Ballon d’Or contender. However, his international record remains modest, with just eight goals in 47 appearances.

Harry Kane (England)

England captain Harry Kane enters what could be his final realistic World Cup opportunity in red-hot club form after scoring 58 goals in 50 matches for Bayern Munich.

Despite his prolific output and leadership, Kane is still searching for his first major international trophy after years of near misses with the Three Lions.

Concerns remain over his physical condition at major tournaments, although Bayern’s careful management of his minutes could benefit England this time around.

Lamine Yamal (Spain)

Spain’s teenage sensation is still recovering from a hamstring injury sustained while playing for Barcelona in April and could miss the early group games.

The 18-year-old played a key role in Spain’s Euro 2024 success and had been in excellent form before his setback, scoring 24 goals in all competitions.

Spain are expected to ease through the group stage, with hopes that Yamal will be fully fit for the knockout rounds.