The 2026 World Cup's biggest stars are making headlines for more than their performances. Discover the football hairstyles inspiring men's hair trends this season.
As World Cup fever continues, football isn’t the only thing that has us talking. Every four years, players take to the pitch with hairstyles ready to combat the heat, movement and cameras of a match.
Some looks are low-maintenance, like Achraf Hakimi’s clean low taper fade, whereas others are slightly more out there, such as Ochoa’s shoulder length curls.
Wahl Scholar and owner of Snowden Hair in Scunthorpe, Bailey Snowden, talks us through the best 2026 hairstyles to grace the pitch.
Achraf Hakimi
@achrafhakimi
Hakimi’s haircut perfectly balances sharpness with natural texture. A clean low taper keeps the silhouette crisp around the ears and neckline, while the textured curls on top add movement and individuality.
It’s a modern, versatile style that works just as well off the pitch as it does on the pitch.
Richard Ríos
Ríos has become one of the tournament’s style standouts with a modern textured mullet paired with a low skin fade.
The longer, layered length through the back gives the cut a relaxed, fashion forward edge, while the clean fade around the sides keeps it looking sharp and intentional. It’s a bold evolution of the mullet trend, one that many of my clients have been asking for.
Jude Bellingham
@judebellingham
Bellingham’s signature curly mid taper has become one of the most influential haircuts in football.
The natural curls on top create texture and volume, while the clean mid taper seamlessly blends into the neckline and temples, keeping the look sharp without being overly aggressive
Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo continues to prove that simplicity never goes out of style. His classic short crop is paired with a clean mid fade, creating a sharp, timeless look that has become synonymous with his image.
The subtle texture through the top adds definition without looking over styled, making it a polished, low maintenance haircut that remains one of football’s most iconic and consistently groomed looks.
@cristiano
Guillermo Ochoa
@yosoy8a
Ochoa proves that embracing natural texture never goes out of style. His signature shoulder length curls have become as recognisable as his performances, offering a refreshing contrast to the clean fades dominating the modern game.
Full of volume and movement, his look celebrates individuality and shows that confidence in natural hair can be just as impactful as the sharpest barbered cut.
It’s an iconic hairstyle that's stood the test of time.
