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 rages this summer, 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, and Andy Heasman, International Creative Director at RUSH Hair, talk us through the best 2026 hairstyles to grace the pitch.
Achraf Hakimi
@achrafhakimi
"Hakimi’s haircut perfectly balances sharpness with natural texture", says Bailey,
"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."
Ferran Torres
@ferrantorres
"Ferran Torres quickly became a fan favourite after his winning goal at the Sunday night finale," says Andy, sporting "a longer grown out look, often described as a modern mohawk fade."
"Featuring a longer top with shaved, shorter sides, Torres opts for the slicked back look to highlight his striking facial features. It's the perfect relaxed style on and off the camera and highly versatile for the sport champion to style with ease."
Richard Ríos
Bailey points to Ríos, who 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," Bailey says.
"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," says Bailey.
"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."
Lamine Yamal
@lamineyamal
"Lamine Yamal has been one to watch," says Andy. "His curly drop fade is paired with a sharp line frame, keeping his curls out of sight and neatly tapered into a drop fade around the sides and back of his head.
It’s the perfect trendy style for the footballer looking to embrace their natural hair texture, he continues. The golden "blonde highlights blended throughout adding depth and dimension to his hair colour."
Cristiano Ronaldo
Ronaldo continues to prove that simplicity never goes out of style, Bailey points out.
"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
Bailey also highlights Ochoa, who 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," he says.
"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."
Sergio Ramos
@sergioramos
Andy's final pick is from the VIP stands: Sergio Ramos, a former Spanish captain, who stepped onto the pitch sporting an ‘old money’ slick back. "Ramos’ style is longer on top with tapering around the sides and longer in length at the back," he explains.
Styling this slick back is easy to recreate, Andy continues. Start by combing wet hair backwards away from the face and apply a hair clay for a volumised matte finish, keeping it structured and comfortable for all-day wear.
