🏆Top 10 Young Football Talents to Watch Ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026
The next World Cup isn’t just about Messi, MbappĂ©, or Haaland.
A new wave of talent is rising, and some of them might just steal the show in 2026.
The FIFA World Cup 2026, set to be co-hosted by the USA, Canada, and Mexico, promises to be the most expansive and diverse tournament in history with 48 nations competing for glory.
While global icons will command attention, the real excitement may come from a new generation of under-23 players ready to shine on the biggest stage.
These players aren’t just “promising”. They’re already making headlines in top leagues and could transform their national squads.
This blog uncovers the 10 brightest young football stars who could dominate the 2026 World Cup.
From explosive wingers to midfield maestros, these players are redefining what it means to be ready for the world stage at just 17, 18, or 21 years old.
🇪🇸 1. Lamine Yamal – Spain / FC Barcelona
Age in 2025: 17
Position: Right Winger
Strengths: Speed, creativity, dribbling, vision
Why he matters:
Lamine Yamal has already etched his name in La Liga history as the youngest player to debut and score for Barcelona.
Despite his youth, his decision-making and calmness under pressure resemble that of a seasoned pro.
Spain’s national team lacks a true attacking talisman in recent years and Yamal could become that spark.
> Projected World Cup 2026 Impact: Starting right winger or supersub with high impact moments.
🇧🇷 2. Endrick – Brazil / Palmeiras → Real Madrid
Age in 2025: 18
Position: Center Forward
Strengths: Explosiveness, finishing, flair, strength
Why he matters:
Already dubbed the “next big Brazilian superstar,” Endrick combines raw physicality with clinical finishing.
He’ll join Real Madrid in 2024, following in the footsteps of VinĂcius Jr. and Rodrygo. With Neymar aging, Brazil is grooming a new forward line and Endrick might lead it.
> Projected World Cup 2026 Impact: Starting striker or impact sub with a defining goal.
🇫🇷 3. Warren Zaïre-Emery – France / PSG
Age in 2025: 18
Position: Central Midfielder
Strengths: Tactical intelligence, passing, composure
Why he matters:
Zaïre-Emery is already a key player in a PSG midfield stacked with stars. His balance of aggression and grace has impressed Didier Deschamps, and he’s tipped to be a starter for France by 2026. His maturity on the ball is rare at any age.
> Projected World Cup 2026 Impact: Core midfield engine, possibly replacing Rabiot or Tchouaméni.
🇦🇷 4. Alejandro Garnacho – Argentina / Manchester United
Age in 2025: 20
Position: Left Winger
Strengths: Pace, confidence, flair
Why he matters:
Garnacho plays with the kind of fearless attacking mindset Argentina thrives on. In a team post-Messi, his creativity and direct runs could help unlock stubborn defenses. He’s already scored iconic goals for Manchester United.
> Projected World Cup 2026 Impact: Possible left-wing starter if he maintains club form.
🇹🇷 5. Arda Güler – Turkey / Real Madrid
Age in 2025: 19
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Strengths: Vision, set-pieces, finesse
Why he matters:
Despite a rough start with injuries, Güler has proven his quality with goals in La Liga. Turkey’s young core is rebuilding, and Güler could be the centerpiece of a resurgent team.
> Projected World Cup 2026 Impact: Playmaker who brings elegance to Turkey’s midfield.
🇪🇨 6. Kendry Páez – Ecuador / Independiente → Chelsea
Age in 2025: 17
Position: Central Midfielder
Strengths: Ball control, leadership, passing range
Why he matters:
Already capped by Ecuador, Kendry plays like a veteran. His technical ability is matched by leadership on the pitch, a rare trait at his age. Ecuador will likely build their midfield around him for 2026.
> Projected World Cup 2026 Impact: Ecuador’s creative pivot, perhaps youngest player in tournament.
🇳🇱 7. Xavi Simons – Netherlands / PSG → RB Leipzig (loan)
Scouts will closely watch these players for post-tournament transfer value
Age in 2025: 21
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Strengths: Creativity, agility, flair
Why he matters:
Xavi has come a long way from his La Masia days. At Leipzig, he’s developed end-product and defensive discipline. The Netherlands are in transition, and Simons could become their creative linchpin.
> Projected World Cup 2026 Impact: First XI starter, linking attack and midfield.
🇵🇹 8. João Neves – Portugal / Benfica
Age in 2025: 20
Position: Defensive Midfielder
Strengths: Tackling, positioning, work rate
Why he matters:
Neves has been outstanding at Benfica, attracting attention from top clubs. Portugal needs a strong DM after Carvalho’s departure, and Neves fits the bill. Smart, aggressive, and calm under pressure.
> Projected World Cup 2026 Impact: Starter in Portugal’s midfield.
🇩🇪 9. Florian Wirtz – Germany / Bayer Leverkusen
Age in 2025: 22
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Strengths: Intelligence, through balls, one-touch play
Why he matters:
Wirtz helped Leverkusen win the Bundesliga undefeated in 2024. He’s a genius playmaker and could be Germany’s key to revival.
> Projected World Cup 2026 Impact: Germany’s chief creator behind the striker.
🇮🇹 10. Giorgio Scalvini – Italy / Atalanta
Age in 2025: 21
Position: Center Back
Strengths: Aerial dominance, positioning, composure
Why he matters:
Italy’s next great defender. Scalvini plays like a veteran, and his ball-playing ability suits modern defensive systems.
> Projected World Cup 2026 Impact: Starting center-back anchoring Italy’s defense.
🧠Honorable Mentions:
Rico Lewis (England / Man City) – versatile defender
Rasmus Højlund (Denmark / Man Utd) – powerful striker
Antonio Nusa (Norway / Club Brugge) – flashy winger
Benjamin Šeško (Slovenia / RB Leipzig) – rising striker
🔍 Why Youth Will Matter More in 2026
The 2026 World Cup’s extended format and higher match load mean that:
Younger players will be critical in rotation-heavy squads
Nations will rely on U23 players for energy, recovery, and resilience
đź”® Prediction:
Expect 3–5 players from this list to make the Team of the Tournament shortlist in 2026. If any of them pulls off a historic goal or upset victory, it may become a defining moment of their career.
đź“Ś Final Thoughts
Youth no longer means inexperience. In today’s football, 18-year-olds are debuting in Champions League and captaining top clubs.
These 10 young stars are not just future prospects, they’re now players of real influence. Keep an eye on them because 2026 could be their World Cup.
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