News Focus
- The 2026 tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico will feature a record 1,248 players
- Nearly 900 footballers will experience their first World Cup finals
- Several teenagers and uncapped prospects aim to make immediate impact on the global stage
- Expert commentators select rising stars who play outside the English top flight
- The list includes the youngest player in the tournament and multiple continental champions
Everyone knows the famous superstars who will play at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. But a new generation of footballers is ready to become household names.
The tournament across North America will welcome a record 1,248 players. Of these, 891 footballers will compete at their first World Cup. Many are young talents looking to prove themselves against the world’s best.
Here are some of the most exciting prospects to watch when the competition kicks off this summer.
Omar Diomande (Ivory Coast)
The 19-year-old winger plays for RB Leipzig in Germany. He won the Bundesliga Rookie of the Season award after moving from Spanish side Leganes for £17.2 million in July 2025. Diomande scored 12 goals and made nine assists in 33 league matches.
He spent three years living in Florida as a teenager, so he knows the American environment well. He recently started for Ivory Coast in their surprise friendly victory over France.
Diego Mora (Mexico)
At just 17, the attacking midfielder is the youngest player at the tournament. He plays for Tijuana and became Mexico’s youngest ever senior player at last summer’s Gold Cup.
Coach Javier Aguirre trusted him to start the final against the United States, which Mexico won 2-1. Mora is also the youngest goalscorer in Liga MX history. He found the net in August 2024 when he was only 15.
However, he faces competition for a starting place. Alvaro Fidalgo recently chose to represent Mexico instead of Spain, which could push Mora to the bench.
Manfred Manzambi (Switzerland)
The 20-year-old midfielder stars for SC Freiburg in Germany. He helped his club reach the Europa League final this season. He can play in different positions across midfield and attacks well.
Swiss captain Granit Xhaka has praised him highly. Coach Murat Yakin says Manzambi has incredible hunger to score goals. He won the UEFA Europa League Revelation of the Season award and scored seven goals in the competition.
Manzambi was born in Geneva. He scored his first international goal against the United States last summer. Top clubs in Germany and England are already watching him closely.
Ricardo Pepi (United States)
The 23-year-old striker plays for PSV Eindhoven in the Netherlands. He scored 19 goals last season as his club won the Dutch league title. Six of those goals came in his final five matches.
Pepi has 13 goals in 35 matches for his country. He recently returned to the national team after a short absence. He provided an assist in a 3-2 friendly win against Senegal. The home fans hope he can score the goals that take the USA deep into the tournament.
Nico Paz (Argentina)
The 21-year-old midfielder is the son of former Argentina defender Pablo Paz. He currently plays for Como in Italy under manager Cesc Fabregas. Real Madrid sold him in 2024 but kept a buy-back clause until 2027.
Paz completed more dribbles than any other player in Serie A this season. He scored 13 goals and provided eight assists. He is left-footed and plays best as a number 10 behind the striker. He scores goals, creates chances and works hard without the ball. He scored his first goal for Argentina in March against Mauritania.
Gessime Yassine (Morocco)
The 20-year-old right-winger plays for Strasbourg in France. He moved from second-tier side Dunkerque in January for around £6 million. He is left-footed and loves to dribble past defenders.
Yassine helped Morocco win the Under-20 World Cup last year. He has made his senior debut and hopes to play at the finals. His club has links with Chelsea, and Barcelona have also shown interest in him.
Lucas Holmes (Australia)
The 18-year-old centre-back plays for Colorado Rapids in the United States. He represents the new wave of defensive talent emerging from the MLS. His club form has earned him a place in the Australian squad as they look to build a solid backline for the future.
These young players represent just a sample of the fresh talent ready to make history at the 2026 World Cup.