The countdown to the summer of 2026 is officially on. Football fans across the globe are already dreaming about the matches in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. This tournament will feature 48 teams for the first time in history. It is a massive stage for established legends. However, the real excitement often comes from the Best Young Players WC 2026. These are the Rising Stars to Watch who will likely define the next decade of the beautiful game.
We often look back at history to see how stars are born. Think about the 2010 world cup best players like Thomas Muller, who won the Golden Boot as a youngster. Many people also ask who is the best player in 2011 world cup, which was a huge year for the women’s game with Homare Sawa. The world cup 2022 best players like Lionel Messi and Kylian Mbappe set a very high bar in Qatar. Even then, a new generation was already appearing. Enzo Fernandez was the best young player qatar 2022 winner, and he showed the world what a wc young player can do on the big stage. Now, we prepare for a new group of heroes.
The Phenomenon: Lamine Yamal
First of all, we must talk about the player who is on everyone’s lips. Lamine Yamal is the best young player world cup 2026 candidate for almost every expert. This kid is only 18 years old. Similarly, he has already achieved more than most professionals do in a lifetime. He was the youngest player to ever appear and score for Spain at just 16 years and 57 days. On top of that, he helped Spain win the Euro 2024 title against England.
The statistics for Yamal are simply mind-blowing. He has 23 appearances and 6 goals for his country already. He turns 19 on July 13, 2026. This date is exactly six days before the final in New York. Therefore, he could celebrate a World Cup trophy as a birthday gift. He is more than just a “wonderkid.” He is a 2026 player who already runs the game for Barcelona. His decision-making in big moments is what sets him apart from others. He does not just beat defenders. He chooses the perfect pass or shot every single time. A true genius.
Brazil’s New Era: Estevao and Endrick
Brazil is desperate to win their sixth star. The best young players fifa 2026 list is not complete without Estevao. People in the football world call him “Starboy”. He is 18 years old. Additionally, he is already a fully-fledged international for the Seleção. He made a huge move to Chelsea from Palmeiras recently. He has scored 5 goals in his last six matches for Brazil. That is elite production for a teenager. Plus, he has three goals in five Champions League games for Chelsea this season. Pure magic on the ball.
Gradually, the world is realizing that Brazil has a new generation of magic. Endrick is another name that everyone knows. Though his career slowed down a bit at Real Madrid, he remains a deadly striker. He has 14 appearances and three goals for Brazil. However, he might go on loan to Lyon to find more minutes before the tournament. He is the youngest Brazilian to score a hat-trick in a top-five European league. Some experts believe he is the number nine that Brazil has been craving for twenty years.
The Real Madrid Jewels: Arda Guler and Nico Paz
Turkey has a jewel in Arda Guler. He is 20 years old and plays for Real Madrid. People compare him to the legend Mesut Ozil. Therefore, expectations are very high. He is a rhythm player. When he gets the ball, the game starts to bend in his direction. He sees passing lanes that others do not even notice. Finally, he has the confidence to try difficult solutions in tight spaces without forcing them.
Similarly, we must look at Nico Paz. He is 21 years old and belongs to the Argentina national team. He is a Real Madrid “wunderkind” who is currently playing for Como in Italy. He has 5 goals and 5 assists this season. He takes 3.6 shots per game. This shows he has a real nose for the goal. Argentina will be favorites because of Messi and Alvarez. But, a breakthrough from Paz could push them over the top again.
England’s Midfield Masters: Bellingham and Mainoo
England also has a superstar who feels like a veteran but is still very young. Jude Bellingham is only 21 years old. He already led Real Madrid to La Liga and Champions League titles. At that time, many people considered him the best midfielder on the planet. He took England to the Euro 2024 final. Also, he is a leader on and off the pitch. Later, we will see if he can finally bring a major trophy back to England for the first time in sixty years.
Additionally, the Three Lions have Kobbie Mainoo. He is 20 years old and plays for Manchester United. He is famous for his calm under pressure. He does not panic when the game gets fast and chaotic. He receives the ball in difficult areas and finds a way to keep it moving. He is a player who makes dominance possible for his team.
The French Factory: Zaire-Emery and Desire Doue
France is always a favorite to win. Additionally, they have a never-ending supply of talent from their academies. Warren Zaire-Emery is 19 years old. He plays for PSG and reads danger like a 30-year-old veteran. He rarely gives his coach a reason to doubt him. He wins his duels and dictates the tempo of the match.
Plus, there is Desire Doue. He is 20 years old and won the Golden Boy Award in 2025. He is a versatile playmaker who fits into elite systems naturally. He excels in tight spaces and turns possession into momentum. Leny Yoro is another French defender to watch. He is 18 years old and is excellent at mopping up loose balls with his sharp game sense. Gradually, he will likely become a starter for Les Bleus.
The Dark Horse Stars: Haaland and Odegaard
Norway is a team that missed out on recent tournaments. Similarly, they are a major dark horse for 2026. They have Erling Haaland. He is the most ruthless goalscorer in Europe. He finished qualifying with 16 goals. He became the fastest player to reach 50 international goals in just 46 games for Norway. On the contrary, he has never played in a major tournament for his country.
Also, Norway has Martin Odegaard. This pair makes them dangerous for any opponent. Norway thumped Italy twice to reach this World Cup. Therefore, Norway might bloody a few noses in North America. Haaland will definitely fancy himself to win the Golden Boot.
The Hosts: Pulisic, Davies, and Gilberto Mora
The host nations want to make history on home soil. Best young players WC 2026 Christian Pulisic is the focal point for the USA. He is 27 years old now, so he is a leader for the younger guys. He scored a career-best 17 goals for AC Milan last season. Additionally, Canada has Alphonso Davies. He is back from a torn ACL and ready to lead his country in Toronto and Vancouver. First of all, Canada needs their first-ever World Cup win.
Mexico relies on young talent like Gilberto Mora. He is a midfield ace at only 15 years old. He is the youngest player to ever win a senior international tournament when Mexico won the Gold Cup. He is composed on the ball and has an eye for the goal. Expect the fans at the Azteca to go wild for him.
Statistical Summary of Rising Stars
Let us look at some wc young player data to see who is performing the best:
- Lamine Yamal (Spain): 23 caps, 6 goals, and a Euro title at age 17.
- Estevao (Brazil): 5 goals in his last 6 international games.
- Nico Paz (Argentina): 5 goals and 5 assists for Como in Serie A.
- Harry Kane (England): 124 goals in 130 games for Bayern Munich.
- Kylian Mbappe (France): 38 goals in 31 games across all competitions this season.
- Erling Haaland (Norway): Over 100 Premier League goals already.
Breakout Predictions for 2026
When we look at 2026 player rankings, certain names keep coming up as potential breakout stars. Jamie Bynoe-Gittens is a 19-year-old winger for England and Dortmund. He has pace and trickery that make him a nightmare for any defender. Ivan Fresneda is a 19-year-old right-back for Spain. Spain produces world-class midfielders all the time. However, Fresneda is a rare defensive talent.
Youssoufa Moukoko is 19 years old and plays for Germany. He was the youngest goalscorer in Bundesliga history. Germany has lacked a true striker since 2014. Therefore, Moukoko could be their savior. Jorrel Hato is an 18-year-old center-back for the Netherlands and Ajax. He is tall, powerful, and very confident on the ball.
The African Pride: Morocco, Senegal, and Ivory Coast
Morocco was the pride of Best young players WC 2026. Additionally, they have got stronger since then. They have exciting young attackers like Bilal El Khannouss and Eliesse Ben Seghir. Brahim Diaz has also switched his allegiance from Spain to Morocco. Therefore, history might strike twice for the Atlas Lions.
Senegal is another team to watch. They are stacked with talent like Nicolas Jackson and Pape Matar Sarr. They also have a new winger named Ibrahim Mbaye. He became the youngest goalscorer in Senegal’s tournament history recently. He is the heir to the throne of Sadio Mane.
Ivory Coast is back at the finals after missing two. They have a growing number of promising players like Ousmane Diomande and Odilon Kossounou. Simon Adringa has also shown plenty of promise in the Premier League. They conceded zero goals in qualifying. A very tough team to beat.
FAQ
Who is the youngest player expected to participate in the 2026 tournament?
Mexico has a sensational midfielder named Gilberto Mora. This kid is only 15 years old. On top of that, he is already the youngest player to ever win a senior international tournament after Mexico won the Gold Cup. Total prodigy.
Which young players have already earned the most international caps?
Lamine Yamal and Kendry Paez lead the pack for their age group. Both stars already have 23 senior appearances for Spain and Ecuador. However, Paez is the one who holds the record as the youngest South American to ever score in a World Cup qualifier. Similarly, Yamal has already set records as the youngest player and scorer for Spain.
Are there any “deep cut” youngsters who have not even debuted for their senior team yet?
Lennart Karl is a name you must remember. He is a 17-year-old talent at Bayern Munich. At that time last year, he was still in the under-17 squad, but now he is a mainstay for the first team of Germany’s biggest club. Also, Geovany Quenda is a 17-year-old fighting for a spot with Portugal. He has been excellent in the Champions League this season with two goals and two assists in his last four games.
Who are the most valuable young players for card collectors?
Lamine Yamal is the biggest name in the soccer hobby right now. Therefore, his rookie cards carry a massive premium. Additionally, Estevao has seen his market explode. One of his cards sold for a whopping $10,250 in late November. Pure magic for collectors.
Concluding Words
The 2026 World Cup will be a historic moment where the next generation finally takes center stage. Gradually, we will see young geniuses like Lamine Yamal, Estevao, and Nico Paz lead their countries toward glory. These Rising Stars to Watch are already decisive players for elite clubs in Europe. Finally, the tournament in North America will show us who has the grit to become a true legend.
