JAKARTA - In the late 1960s, there was a pure winger, or so-called in the winger position, who was very loved, famous and a top celebrity. His name, George Best, from Northern Ireland. When Best strengthened Manchester United, he played a big part in bringing the Champions Cup title, 1968. And, George Best was chosen by FIFA, as FIFA Player of the Century, the 20th century, as well as the best player of the "blue continent" Europe, in 1968.
As a pure winger, George Best, the only player who was only big at the club. But, never took his country, Northern Ireland, to the World Cup finals, until he hung up his boots. Likewise, Ryan Giggs, the original Man-U winger, was also one of the best wingers in the world in his time. His fate, like Best, never took Wales, to the World Cup finals.
"I used to watch Jairzinho, the right wing of Brazil 1970, full of skill, determination, speed, his cross pass was beautiful. Also watching on black-and-white television, left winger Rob Rensenbrink, Netherlands 1974.
There was a player nicknamed "The Wizard of Dribble" in Stanley Matthews, in the 1954 World Cup, while playing for England. Eder from Brazil, in the 1982 World Cup. Or, some of the best wingers during the World Cup, such as Pavel Nedved, from Rep. Ceko, 2006. Luis Figo, Portugal, 1998. Arjen Robben, Netherlands 2010.
Judging the player as a winger, it can be interpreted as positioning himself as a right or left winger. Some of the wingers, are able to determine their country's achievements to win the best title in the world.
On average, wing players are guaranteed to have high ball skills, above-average dribbling speed, a ball that can be swirled, and is difficult to intercept. And finally, have a precise cross. Now, in the "now" era of joining, scoring goals, and maybe even topskor.
In the world class, World Cup-caliber event, there are always many talents, or even, fortunately, as new stars. I try to peel off and give references to reading on facebook. That, there will be the most moncer player, especially as a pure winger. As long as it is held in 16 stadiums, from Canada, Mexico, the United States, June 11-July 19, 2026.
Almost all of the players I chose are currently grazing in the elite leagues of Europe.
Ousmane DembeleIn fact, his right and left legs have been tested, able to win the Ballon d'Or 2025, after becoming the hero of Paris Saint-Germain by bringing the Champions League 2024-25, and then this season, 2025 - 26, back to the European club champion. Even though, his posture is ceking. However, his spin is difficult to stop the left back or double center-back opponent.
As a right-back, Dembele, is in his golden age at the 2026 World Cup. His achievements, including defending the "Les Blues" World Cup 2018 champions, and finalists of the 2022 World Cup. It seems, the 2026 World Cup, will be the last, at the age of 28. Although, the 2030 World Cup, he will be around 32 years old.
His peak performance, indeed, is not over, in fact, the final of the Champions League on May 30, 2026, Dembele as the determinant of PSG, when the penalty was executed, to a score of 1 - 1. After 120 minutes, PSG brought luck, the champion, over Arsenal, through tos-tosan.
The left-footed player, in Liverpool's right-back position, is the culmination of bringing Egypt to the 2026 World Cup. The nickname "Egyptian King" is still worth considering, as one of the best wingers in the 21st century. Mohamed Salah, who has won four times, won the Golden Boots, Premier League.
Salah, has one advantage, able to dribble the ball for as long as possible, and is very fond of deceiving left backs of all elite English League clubs and European legendary clubs. It is fitting, if Salah, will become the "soul" of Egypt, since the group stage of G, along with Belgium, Iran and New Zealand.
Luis DiazOne of the most dangerous wingers at the 2026 World Cup will be the Colombian left winger. The deadly duet with Michael Olise at Bayern Munich, was a silent witness. Luis Diaz, does not feel inferior, if he changes positions as a right winger. The point is, the player nicknamed "Luchito" always performs very high in tension, hard worker, stubborn and consistent physically running for 90 minutes.
If, Colombia can qualify from Group K, along with Portugal, to displace Uzbekistan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, heading to the Round of 32. According to mBah Coco, Colombia can go far into the next round, just because of the specialness of Luis Diaz. His figure, always energetic, daring as a fighter of the 21st century winger.
Who would argue against Lamine Yamal's choice? At 16, he was already a "celebrity" of the European grass court. With Barcelona, as well as in the Spanish "La Roja" squad. The key to Spain's success in winning the EURO 2024 title, because of Yamal's brilliance, in the right winger position.
Many consider Yamal to be a drop of Maradona, Messi, who once enjoyed the city of Barcelona. His left foot is so sharp that it directs the ball to the far corner of the opponent's goal, for every goal for his goal. He is one of the pure "young guns" on the wing, the most anticipated by the world's television viewers. Especially, when watching the Spanish national team compete since the Group H elimination, with Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay.
Vinicius JuniorTalking about Lamine Yamal, it means talking about Vini Jr, his opponent at Real Madrid. As a right winger, his performance is very scary. His dribbling makes the audience amazed. Currently, while at Real Madrid, Vinicius is most deserving of being crowned the most brilliant winger.
If Brazil succeeds in advancing to the 32nd round, and then 16, and 8 of the 2026 World Cup, it is certain that it is due to the performance of Vini Jr, who is used to fooling right-back Bukan, because Neymar Jr. Therefore, the national teams of Morocco, Haiti and Scotland in Group C, are in trouble. In the 32nd round, it is likely that South Korea or the Czech Republic, will be confused.
The single goal against Atletico Madrid, in the 2nd leg of the Champions League semi-final, was a standard iconic goal from Bukayo Saka, thus passing Arsenal, after 20 years of waiting to climb the ladder as a finalist. The right winger of the "Arsenal Arsenal" is different from many right wingers.
Saka, is the most valuable asset for Arsenal, and of course for "The Three Lions" at the 2026 World Cup. The Nigerian-born player can score at least 2 goals in the group stage of L, with Croatia, Ghana and Panama.
The most dangerous thing about Bukayo Saka's character is that he is a corner kick customer for Arsenal and England. His left foot shot, likes to curve sharply. Sometimes, his shot, even if the goalkeeper can't stop it, can go into the goal.
Jeremy Baffour DokuIf you are determined to be brave enough to break the opponent's goal. His feet, very easy to deceive the opponent, and a measured kick to the corner of the opponent's goal, are Jeremy Doku's specialties, at Manchester City. As long as it is not selfish, Belgium is lucky to have a right winger, of Ghanaian blood. And, Doku has proven the key to Belgium's qualification in the European group stage.
"There is a term during playing at Manchester City, said his senior at Man-City as well as in Belgium - Kevin De Bruyne, "If Doku is a substitute player in any minute. Then, the style and character of Manchester City, will change completely, following the rhythm of his dribble, his sprint, and his tricky. His assist is greatly awaited by all his friends.
Rafael LeaoTalking about Rafael Leao, you have to talk about Sporting CP. The Portuguese club, once visited by legendary players, such as Pele, Zico, Ronaldinho, Cristiano Ronaldo, Bruno Fernandez. There are many players who grew up, and have football knowledge from Sporting CP.
Rafael Leao, who now plays for AC Milan, is Portugal's left winger at the upcoming 2026 World Cup. This Angolan-born player, often nicknamed "The Portuguese Mbappe". In the Portuguese national team, what Leao needs is his passes, which are very precise, for a player of the caliber of Cristian Ronaldo.
Michael Olise, can be said to be a "newcomer" in the international midfield, titled FIFA World Cup. Although he is 24 years old, this player of English, Nigerian, Alzajair blood, is considered very unique. Born in England, but at a young age, he has already chosen France U-15 and U-21.
When he was young, Olise was considered a cement, by Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City, Reading and Crystal Palace. However, at the age of a teenager, Olise, who likes to play on the right winger, found his best way, towards Bayern Munich. As a result, he was able to lead Bayern to the 2025-26 Champions League semi-finals. And, just won the 2025-26 Bundesliga.
Olise has the skills to fry and pass the ball. Doyan is agile behind the defense of the opponent who is a bit far away. However, both his feet, as good as they are, score beautiful goals. Although originally, left-handed.
"My idol since childhood is Neymar. He always plays complicated football. And, I really like playing with complicated characters," he said.
Christian PulisicSince his birth, this Croatian-blooded player, has been naturalized for the United States national team, and since he was young, he has strengthened the American U-15, U-17 and senior national teams. After maturing in the USA, Christian Pulisic moved to Borussia Dortmund, Chelsea and AC Milan.
For mBah Coco, Pulisic is the only complete winger. Used to being comfortable on the left and right, his reputation is pretty good as a playmaker. Once forced, as a goal machine. Especially for the United States national team.
Who knows, Pulisic could become a new star in his own country?
Actually, there are many options for players, who are positioned as wingers, who are ready to compete in the 23rd World Cup, in Canada, Mexico, the United States, July 11-19, 2026.
From the French national team, the names of Desire Doue and Bradley Barcola (Paris SG) and Rayan Cherki (Manchester City) can be raised. From Brazil, Raphinha (Barcelona) and Endrick (Lyon) are still worthy. England, has a winger specialist since 2018 in Marcus Rasford. Semi-final of the 2002 World Cup - Turkey, has Kenal Yildik (Juventus). From the German "Panzer" team, there is still Karim Adeyami (Borussia Dortmund), the Netherlands has a wingback, Jeremie Frimpong (Liverpool).
However, if you can choose, there are some pure wingers, but you can't strengthen your country, because you didn't qualify for the 2026 World Cup final this time.
Therefore, his choice fell on Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, a left winger from Georgia, who plays for Paris Saint-Germain, as well as Bryan Mbeumo, a player from Cameroon, who is brilliant in the Manchester United jersey. In particular, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, if there is no 2026 World Cup event, is actually the most deserving player of the 2006 Ballon d'Or.
The question is, which country should Kvaratskhelia and Mbeumo strengthen as "tarkam" players during the 2026 World Cup?
J. Erwiyantoro(Football Columnist)The English, Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, and French versions are automatically generated by the AI. So there may still be inaccuracies in translating, please always see Indonesian as our main language. (system supported by DigitalSiber.id)
