In only a day, the 2026 World Cup will kick off in the USA, Mexico and Canada.
Operating from June 11 to July 19, the expanded event will function the world’s greatest 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 bunch of younger gamers tipped not solely to impress in 2026, however to form worldwide soccer for years to come back.
On this article, Instances 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 Finest 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 event.
On the World Cup, he’s anticipated to function alongside fellow teenage defender Pau Cubarsí, as Spain look to mix youth with expertise on the most important stage.
Yan Diomandé (Ivory Coast)
Ivory Coast ahead Yan Diomandé will make his World Cup debut at simply 19 years and 209 days.
Presently taking part in for RB Leipzig, Diomandé has scored three targets 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 artistic midfielder Arda Güler, 21, arrives on the World Cup filled with confidence after a powerful Euro 2024 marketing campaign.
Güler not too long ago declared that he has “no concern of any staff” on the event. 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 may function in midfield, made 55 appearances this season, scoring 9 targets 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 taking part in his ultimate World Cup.
Taking part in for Como 1907 in Italy, Paz loved an impressive 2025/26 season, scoring 12 targets 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 damage to Chelsea star Willian Estêvão.
Now with Bournemouth, Rayan scored 5 targets and supplied two assists in 15 appearances, serving to the membership qualify for the UEFA Europa League for the primary time of their historical past.
