News Focus
- Deniz Undav aims to lead Germany’s attack after netting 19 Bundesliga goals for VfB Stuttgart
- American-born winger Esmir Bajraktarević switches international allegiance to Bosnia and Herzegovina
- Norway’s Antonio Nusa benefits from the defensive attention drawn by Erling Haaland
- Argentine midfielder Nico Paz follows a prolific Serie A season with Como 1907
- All four players enter the tournament with low expectations but high potential
Every World Cup creates new heroes. Unknown players become global stars overnight. James Rodríguez proved this in 2014. Enzo Fernández did the same in 2022. The 2026 tournament will write fresh stories. Here are four footballers who could surprise the world.
Deniz Undav (Germany)
Most talks about Germany focus on Florian Wirtz and Jamal Musiala. However, another striker waits for his moment. Deniz Undav plays for VfB Stuttgart. He scored 19 goals in the Bundesliga last season. He also provided six assists in 28 matches. The 29-year-old finishes chances efficiently. He netted twice against Finland before the squad travelled. Manager Julian Nagelsmann trusts him completely. Germany needs impact players from the bench. Undav has waited his entire career for this opportunity. He wants to step out of the shadows. He could become Germany’s main attacking threat.
Esmir Bajraktarević (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
This winger was born in Appleton, Wisconsin. He grew up in a Bosnian household. He trained with New England Revolution. Then he changed his international team. He left the United States to play for Bosnia. He scored the winning penalty against Italy. This goal knocked Italy out of the World Cup. Now he plays for PSV Eindhoven at age 21. He operates as a left-footed inverted winger. He runs at defenders with great skill. Bosnia faces Canada, Switzerland and Qatar in their group. They have a realistic path to the knockout stages. Opponents do not study him properly yet. His technique is excellent. He moves smoothly with the ball at his feet. He has not produced many goals in Holland yet. But he is still young. He showed huge confidence against Italy. This reveals his personality. He loves big moments.
Antonio Nusa (Norway)
Erling Haaland dominates every conversation about Norway. Defenders focus entirely on the Manchester City striker. This creates space for other players. Antonio Nusa uses this space cleverly. The 21-year-old plays for RB Leipzig. He operates as a winger or right back. He possesses pace and directness. He likes to run at opponents with swagger. Manager Ståle Solbakken plans to start him. Norway won all eight of their qualifying matches. They are not merely visiting the tournament to make up numbers. Nusa could help them reach the later stages. He has confidence and speed. He benefits when defenders concentrate on stopping Haaland.
Nico Paz (Argentina)
Argentina arrive as defending champions. People now ask who will replace Lionel Messi. Nico Paz might provide the answer. The 21-year-old plays for Como 1907 in Italy. He enjoyed an excellent season in Serie A. He contributed 21 goals and assists across all competitions. He sees the pitch with elite vision. He works hard without the ball. He moves with rare elegance. Manager Lionel Scaloni might use him from the bench initially. Paz could change games as a substitute. He might earn a starting place later in the tournament. He wears the squad number next to Messi. He could become Argentina’s next creative star.