In only a day, the 2026 World Cup will kick off in america, Mexico and Canada.
Working from June 11 to July 19, the expanded match will characteristic the world’s finest nationwide groups and, as all the time, it can additionally function a world stage for the sport’s subsequent technology.
Among the many gamers on the showpiece, there are a number of younger gamers tipped not solely to impress in 2026, however to form worldwide soccer for years to come back.
On this article, Occasions Sport takes a have a look at a few of them:
Lamine Yamal (Spain)
Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal is among the many main favourites for the Greatest Younger Participant award.
The 18-year-old winger performed a key position in Barcelona’s Spanish league triumph and was named Spanish Participant of the Yr for the 2025/26 season.
Already a record-breaker, Yamal made historical past at Euro 2024 because the youngest participant to play, rating, and win the match.
On the World Cup, he’s anticipated to characteristic alongside fellow teenage defender Pau Cubarsí, as Spain look to mix youth with expertise on the largest stage.
Yan Diomandé (Ivory Coast)
Ivory Coast ahead Yan Diomandé will make his World Cup debut at simply 19 years and 209 days.
At the moment enjoying for RB Leipzig, Diomandé has scored three objectives in his final 9 worldwide appearances and is thought to be considered one of Africa’s most fun younger forwards.
Arda Güler (Turkey)
Turkey’s inventive midfielder Arda Güler, 21, arrives on the World Cup stuffed with confidence after a formidable Euro 2024 marketing campaign.
Güler lately declared that he has “no worry of any staff” on the match. He’s anticipated to be central to Turkey’s ambitions, alongside Juventus ahead Kenan Yıldız.
Nico O’Reilly (England)
Manchester Metropolis defender Nico O’Reilly has emerged as considered one of England’s most dependable younger gamers.
The versatile 21-year-old, who also can function in midfield, made 55 appearances this season, scoring 9 objectives and offering six assists.
Nico Paz (Argentina)
Argentina midfielder Nico Paz, 21, is considered as one of many gamers able to easing the eventual transition from Lionel Messi, who at 38 is anticipated to be enjoying his last World Cup.
Taking part in for Como 1907 in Italy, Paz loved an excellent 2025/26 season, scoring 12 objectives and registering seven assists because the membership secured an unlikely UEFA Champions League qualification.
Rayan (Brazil)
Brazilian midfielder Rayan Vitor Simplício Rocha, 19, earned his World Cup call-up beneath Carlo Ancelotti following an harm to Chelsea star Willian Estêvão.
Now with Bournemouth, Rayan scored 5 objectives and offered two assists in 15 appearances, serving to the membership qualify for the UEFA Europa League for the primary time of their historical past.
