Young Talents Poised to Shine at FIFA World Cup 2026

With less than a week remaining until the World Cup kicks off, teams are in the final stages of preparation for the tournament hosted in North America (USA, Mexico, and Canada).

The stage is set for many players, including some of the most exciting young talents in current football, to become heroes for their countries.

Only Pelé and Kylian Mbappé have scored in a World Cup final as teenagers. However, many players, from Michael Owen to Lionel Messi, have showcased their exceptional talent on the world stage before the age of 20.

Who could follow in their footsteps this time in the USA, Mexico, and Canada? The sports portal Goal.com has selected 12 such NXGN (Next Generation, born in 2007 or later) players who are predicted to make a strong mark in the tournament.

Lamine Yamal (Spain)

Lamine Yamal has the potential not only to be the best teenage player of this World Cup but also the most impactful player in the North American World Cup. The talented winger from Barcelona has been an automatic choice for coach Luis de la Fuente since making his international debut at 16, scoring a spectacular goal against Georgia. Yamal has already proven his ability to remain unfazed by the pressure of major tournaments. He wreaked havoc on opposing defenses as Spain won the UEFA Euro 2024 in Germany. His stunning goal against France in the semi-final was one of the highlights of the tournament. His consistent excellent performance for his club since then has raised expectations for similar brilliant play in the World Cup.

However, there is a concern. Yamal suffered a hamstring injury in April, which means he will miss at least the first game of Spain's World Cup campaign. He might also be sidelined for a longer period due to the injury. Nevertheless, Spain is expected to advance through the group stage without their young star.

The main question is how quickly Yamal will regain his form upon his return from injury. The answer to this will determine whether he gets the chance to lift the World Cup trophy just six days after his 19th birthday.

Pau Cubarsí (Spain)

Lamine Yamal is not the only teenage prodigy representing Spain. Young center-back Pau Cubarsí is also expected to be one of Spain's main attractions in the World Cup. He started in four of Spain's six World Cup qualifying matches towards the end of 2025 and has solidified his place in coach Luis de la Fuente's plans. Interestingly, he was surprisingly left out of the squad when Spain won the Euros.

The 19-year-old Cubarsí has been a regular starter for Barcelona for the past two years. He has consistently performed well under German coach Hansi Flick. His exceptional confidence in ball control, precise passing ability, and high-level defensive skills have made him a player far more mature than his age.

The upcoming World Cup will likely be the first major chapter in his long and successful international career. Based on his current performance, Cubarsí has a strong chance of establishing himself as a leader in Spain's defense.

Kendry Páez (Ecuador)

One of the talented teenage players who will not be seen at this World Cup is Brazilian forward Estevão. He was ruled out of contention for the World Cup squad after getting injured towards the end of the season while playing for Chelsea. However, another young talent associated with the Chelsea group (Blues) is ready to make his mark in the World Cup – Ecuadorian midfielder Kendry Páez.

Among the teenage players called up for the World Cup, Páez is one of the most experienced internationally. He is currently on loan at Argentinian club River Plate. This talented player, associated with Chelsea, was already seen as a future superstar in 2023 when he made his international debut for Ecuador at just 16 years old.

Within weeks of his debut, Páez became the youngest player to score in the South American (CONMEBOL) World Cup qualifiers. However, since Copa America 2024, he has mostly been used as a substitute in international matches.

But this does not mean his impact should be underestimated. The 19-year-old Páez possesses extraordinary talent and creativity to change the course of a game. He could be a decisive player for Ecuador, considered one of the 'dark horses' in the North American World Cup. If he can fully realize his potential, he has a strong chance of capturing the attention of football fans worldwide.

Ibrahim Mbaye (Senegal)

In today's football, it is more common than ever for players to have to make important decisions about their international future. Many players participating in the World Cup represent a country different from the one they grew up imagining. Ibrahim Mbaye is an excellent example of this.

Mbaye represented various age-group teams of France throughout his childhood and adolescence. He even played for France's U-20 team. However, in November 2025, he accepted a national team call-up from Senegal, deciding to tie his international future to the West African nation.

The 18-year-old forward scored on his second appearance for Senegal, becoming the youngest player in the country's history to score. He then played a crucial role in Senegal's journey to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations, scoring one goal and creating two assists throughout the tournament.

This young attacker from French club Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) has quickly proven his talent. Therefore, he is expected to deliver an impressive performance in the 2026 World Cup, which will be his second major international tournament.

Ayyoub Bouaddi (Morocco)

Another talented 18-year-old player who played for France's age-group teams but will represent an African nation at this World Cup is Ayyoub Bouaddi. Before the tournament began, he decided to switch his international allegiance from France to Morocco.

Bouaddi had already played 10 games for France's U-21 team. However, the Lille midfielder secured a place in the Moroccan national team, getting the opportunity to participate in the 'Atlas Lions'' World Cup campaign. Morocco, which made history by reaching the semi-finals in the 2022 World Cup, aims to achieve similar success this time, and Bouaddi is considered an important part of that plan.

His performances over the last two seasons in the French Ligue 1, and especially in the prestigious Champions League in Europe, have caught many eyes. Excellent ball control, game reading ability, and the skill to operate from midfield make him one of the best talents in his age group.

His talent has also attracted the attention of major European clubs. PSG and Arsenal are reportedly competing to sign him. Therefore, Lille also wants Bouaddi to perform exceptionally well in the North American World Cup, which could help increase his transfer value.

The World Cup will not only be Bouaddi's debut major international tournament but also the biggest stage to prove his abilities to the world of football.

Gilberto Mora (Mexico)

As a co-host nation, Mexico was under immense pressure for this World Cup, especially after being eliminated in the group stage of the 2022 World Cup. Therefore, 'El Tri' is in search of new heroes, and all hopes seem to be focused on the 17-year-old Gilberto Mora, who is also the youngest player in the tournament.

Known by the nickname 'The Mexican Pedri,' Mora unexpectedly got a starting chance for the national team in the knockout stage of the 2025 Gold Cup. But he fully utilized that opportunity. Mora played a crucial role as coach Javier Aguirre's team won the title.

With that achievement, Mora became the youngest player in history to win a major international tournament title. He broke Lamine Yamal's record, set just 12 months earlier. Mora was sidelined due to injury for the first few months of 2026, which caused some disruption to the development of this young talent from club Tijuana. However, he is now fully fit and expected to return to Mexico's starting lineup when the World Cup begins on June 11.

Mora is seen as the bright future of Mexican football due to his creative play in midfield, excellent passing, and ability to control the game's tempo. If he can prove his talent in front of the home crowd at the World Cup, he could establish himself as a new national hero for Mexico.

Luka Vušković (Croatia)

Croatia's narrative at this World Cup will again revolve around experienced players, especially the 40-year-old Luka Modrić, who is leading the team in his fifth World Cup. However, behind these famous names, a new generation of talented players is emerging, with Luka Vušković considered one of the most exciting prospects.

The 19-year-old center-back has established himself as one of Europe's most promising young defenders over the past season. Owned by Tottenham, Vušković impressed while playing on loan at German club Hamburg. His outstanding performances even earned him a spot in the Bundesliga Team of the Season. Furthermore, his performances have attracted the attention of European giants like Barcelona.

He has also begun his journey with the national team, playing his first two international matches for Croatia during the World Cup qualifiers. His strong defensive ability, aerial dominance, and exceptional game-reading skills position him as one of the top future center-backs.

Not only in defensive duties, but he can also be a significant threat to opponents in set-piece situations. Therefore, coach Zlatko Dalić is likely to field him in the starting lineup alongside Joško Gvardiol in this World Cup.

If he can maintain his club form in the World Cup, Vušković could become one of the key figures of Croatia's new golden generation.

Lennert Carl (Germany)

Before every major tournament, fans often call for some young players to be included in the national squad. This was the case in Germany this time, with 18-year-old Lennert Carl at the center of attention. Following his explosive performances for Bayern Munich, the demand for his inclusion in the World Cup squad became very strong.

Attacking midfielder Carl seemed unfazed by the pressure playing for Bayern Munich, one of Europe's best clubs. He established himself as a new hope for German football by directly contributing to 16 goals and assists across various competitions throughout the season.

Fans were excited when coach Julian Nagelsmann gave him his first opportunity in Germany's senior team in March. More interestingly, Carl, who had only debuted for the U-21 team a few months prior, immediately showed comfortable and confident performances at the international level.

It then became almost impossible for Nagelsmann to leave him out of the World Cup squad. Now, he is considered a strong contender to even secure a starting position. With Serge Gnabry out due to injury, Germany is looking for new options in the attacking second line, and Carl has emerged as a prime candidate to fill that void.

If he makes the starting lineup, he could play in a creative role behind the striker alongside Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz. The combination of these three young talents has the potential to make Germany's attack one of the most exciting in the World Cup.

The 2026 World Cup could be not only a major tournament for Lennert Carl but also a golden opportunity to establish himself as a superstar in world football.

Kerim Alajbegović (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

Although veteran striker Edin Džeko garners most of the attention in the Bosnia and Herzegovina squad, the team's most interesting story is linked to 19-year-old Kerim Alajbegović from a different generation. Without his contribution, Bosnia might not have even reached the World Cup in North America.

In the playoff semi-final against Wales in March, he came off the bench to assist Džeko's equalizing goal. The match then went to a penalty shootout, where he successfully converted the decisive penalty, leading his country to the final. He repeated his impressive performance against Italy in that final, which led Bosnia to a second consecutive penalty shootout victory.

Thus, he has quickly become like a national hero. In his last season with Red Bull Salzburg, he proved his attacking prowess by scoring 13 goals in all competitions. After his excellent performance in Austria, German club Bayer Leverkusen decided to activate his buy-back clause and bring him back before the upcoming Bundesliga season.

As a winger, his playing style is considered somewhat slow but extremely effective. His ball control, decisive passes, and ability to create chances make him a valuable weapon in Bosnia's attack. If he maintains this form in the World Cup, Alajbegović could become one of the most unexpected yet impactful players in the tournament.

Tyler Fletcher (Scotland)

Scotland suffered a major blow on the eve of the World Cup when key midfielder Billy Gilmour was ruled out of the tournament due to a knee injury sustained in a friendly against Haiti. But one player's disappointment often becomes another's opportunity, and that opportunity has now fallen to Tyler Fletcher.

Tyler Fletcher, son of former Scotland and Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher, got the chance to debut for Manchester United's first team this season. He had previously spent time in Manchester City's academy and was recently named the best player for United's reserve team.

He is known as a midfielder with a strong and competitive playing style, as well as adept ball control and passing ability. Tyler, along with his twin brother Jack Fletcher, represented England's youth teams for some time. But while his brother still has potential with England (the Three Lions), Tyler chose Scotland in 2024.

This decision has now been turned into a major opportunity, as he is expected to add new energy to Scotland's midfield by securing a place in the World Cup squad. Capable of both physical duels and build-up play, Tyler Fletcher has a golden opportunity to prove his talent at this World Cup.

Lucas Harrington (Australia)

Unlike many Australian players, Lucas Harrington did not have to travel far to reach the World Cup training camp, as he is currently playing for MLS club Colorado Rapids and lives near the 'Socceroos' training center in California.

The 18-year-old center-back Harrington quickly attracted attention after arriving in the USA in early 2026. Despite having only 29 first-team appearances for Australia's A-League club Brisbane Roar, he has established himself as a key defender for the Colorado Rapids this season, playing full minutes in all games.

His consistent excellent performances earned him his first international cap for Australia in March. He was then quickly integrated into coach Tony Popovic's plans.

Harrington's strong defensive ability, aerial prowess, and exceptional game-reading skills have established him as one of the best young center-back talents. This is why he is a strong candidate to start in Australia's opening match against Turkey on June 13.

His performances have also caught the eye of major European clubs, especially Premier League scouts. If he can prove his abilities at the World Cup, he has the potential to make a big move to European football soon.

Hamza Abdelkarim (Egypt)

One of the most surprising decisions when Egypt announced its final World Cup squad was the inclusion of Hamza Abdelkarim, who had never played for the national team before. This decision surprised many, but there was no shortage of believers in his potential.

Abdelkarim set a record as the youngest player to play for Egypt's famous club Al-Ahly in February 2025. Since then, he has only made nine senior appearances for the club. Internationally, he was previously limited to Egypt's U-17 team.

However, his talent is not fully reflected by those statistics alone. In February, he was signed on loan by Spanish giants Barcelona, showing great faith in his potential.

He gained further attention after an outstanding performance for Barcelona's U-19 team, scoring five goals in seven games. Following this performance, the Catalan club is also considering the possibility of signing him permanently.

His role for Egypt in this World Cup is still unclear, but being given the number 9 jersey suggests a strong possibility of him playing. If given the chance, Abdelkarim could become one of the most unexpected yet impactful young players in the tournament.