• 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.

• Christian Eriksen collapsed during Denmark’s match with Ukraine in Odense
• The 34-year-old midfielder lost consciousness but recovered quickly
• Medical staff confirmed his implanted pacemaker functioned correctly
• The friendly match was abandoned after the incident in the 65th minute
• Eriksen previously suffered a cardiac arrest during Euro 2020

The Danish national team faced a frightening moment on Sunday when midfielder Christian Eriksen fell to the ground during a friendly match against Ukraine. The incident occurred at the stadium in Odense.

Medical staff rushed to assist the 34-year-old player after he collapsed in the 65th minute. The referee immediately stopped the game, which was later abandoned.

Eriksen is now in stable condition. He left the pitch without assistance and travelled to hospital for additional tests. The Danish Football Association confirmed he was briefly unconscious but woke up quickly.

Team doctor Morten Boesen explained that Eriksen’s implanted heart device worked properly. “Christian is feeling well. He walked off the field alone,” Boesen stated. “The pacemaker responded exactly as intended. He will remain in hospital for further tests to find the cause of this episode.”

This incident brings back memories of June 2021, when Eriksen suffered a cardiac arrest during a European Championship match against Finland. Following that emergency, doctors fitted him with an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator (ICD). The device allows his heart to maintain a normal rhythm.

Eriksen currently plays for VfL Wolfsburg in the German Bundesliga. He joined the club last summer after spending three seasons with Manchester United. He also played for Tottenham Hotspur and Brentford earlier in his career.

He was earning his 151st cap for Denmark when the incident occurred. Neither Denmark nor Ukraine will participate in the upcoming World Cup tournament.

Denmark captain Pierre-Emile Hojbjerg witnessed the collapse. “I saw Christian falling to the ground. We all understand what this means given his history,” the Tottenham midfielder told Danish television. “The medical team acted with great courage and speed. Everyone reacted with respect.”

Players from both nations formed a protective circle around Eriksen while he received treatment, repeating the scene from his 2021 emergency. He eventually walked to a waiting ambulance.

National team coach Brian Riemer addressed both squads on the pitch after the abandonment. He later told reporters that Eriksen had sent messages to his teammates to confirm his wellbeing. “He is doing fine. He asked me to tell everyone that he is okay,” Riemer said. “Now we must support each other through this difficult moment.”

Before his return to professional football in 2022, Eriksen spoke about feeling safe with the ICD. He stated that the device protected him from danger and he did not fear playing competitively.

• Herbert Hainer tells Florentino Pérez to abandon pursuit of Michael Olise
• Bayern Munich insist they will reject any incoming offers for the winger
• Olise recently named the Bundesliga’s Best Player of the Season
• Reports suggest Real Madrid are preparing a bid despite Bayern’s stance

Bayern Munich president Herbert Hainer has sent a clear message to Real Madrid chief Florentino Pérez regarding Michael Olise. The Bundesliga club have no plans to sell the highly-rated French winger.

Speaking to Bild on Sunday, Hainer dismissed speculation linking Olise with a move to Spain. He stated that Pérez should not waste time preparing a bid. “No offer has arrived, but he can save himself the trouble,” Hainer said. “The player has a long-term contract with us. We are not a selling club.”

The 24-year-old has emerged as a key target for the Spanish giants. Recent reports suggested he featured prominently in Real Madrid’s presidential election discussions. However, Bayern’s firm stance appears to block any potential deal.

Although Pérez has publicly stated that their next major signing target is not Olise, transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano claims otherwise. Romano reports that the record Champions League winners are preparing a formal proposal for the Bundesliga’s top performer this season. Olise is now preparing to represent France in his first major international tournament this summer.

• Schalke 04 agree terms to sign Satoshi Tanaka from Fortuna Düsseldorf
• Transfer fee reduced to €1 million after relegation clause activated
• 23-year-old defensive midfielder to undergo medical examination
• Japan international joined Düsseldorf from Sanfrecce Hiroshima in January

Schalke 04 have reached a complete agreement to sign their first player of the summer window. The German club will capture Japanese midfielder Satoshi Tanaka from Fortuna Düsseldorf for a significantly reduced fee.

Media outlet Sky Germany reports that Schalke will pay only €1 million to activate the player’s release clause. This amount fell sharply from €10 million after Düsseldorf dropped to the third division.

Reporter Florian Plettenberg states that Schalke informed Düsseldorf of their decision to trigger the clause on Saturday. Officials will now schedule the medical tests before the transfer becomes official.

The 23-year-old defensive midfielder moved to Germany in the winter transfer window. Former sporting director Sven Mislintat signed him from J1 League team Sanfrecce Hiroshima. Tanaka’s current contract runs until 2030.

He played 13 matches in the second tier, recording two assists. The player did not earn selection for Japan’s national team at the World Cup. He will now compete in the top flight with Schalke after their promotion from the second division.

• Lennart Karl has suffered a severe thigh muscle tear while on international duty with Germany
• The 18-year-old winger faces a recovery period of between six and twelve weeks
• Bayern Munich begin their pre-season preparations on 20 July
• The 2026-27 Bundesliga campaign kicks off on 28 August
• A twelve-week absence would force the youngster to miss the opening league fixtures

Germany’s World Cup disappointment has turned into a major headache for Lennart Karl. The teenage forward now faces an extended spell on the sidelines after picking up a serious thigh injury.

The 18-year-old attacking talent was set to play a central role for Julian Nagelsmann’s squad this term. However, a muscle bundle tear in his quadriceps has brought his preparations to a sudden halt.

The reigning German double winners now wait anxiously to learn the full extent of the damage. Medical experts state that this type of muscle tear is more severe than a simple fibre tear and demands a significantly longer healing process.

Recovery times for such injuries typically range from six to twelve weeks. Much depends on how the player’s body responds to treatment and rehabilitation.

If Karl heals within six weeks, he could return when Bayern’s pre-season begins on 20 July. However, a twelve-week absence would keep him out of the opening matches of the 2026-27 Bundesliga season.

The wide man scored five goals and provided five assists during his breakthrough campaign last term. He now faces a desperate race against time to be ready for the league opener on 28 August.

• RB Leipzig want to sign Fisnik Asllani from TSG Hoffenheim
• The Kosovan striker has a €30 million release clause in his contract
• Borussia Dortmund are also monitoring the 23-year-old attacker
• Leipzig already have several young forwards competing for places

German giants RB Leipzig are planning to sign TSG Hoffenheim attacker Fisnik Asllani. The Saxony club want to bring in the 23-year-old to improve their forward line.

Asllani comes from Kosovo and has a release clause of €30 million in his contract. This fixed price makes him a good choice for clubs that need a flexible forward. Reports say Leipzig officials have already held first talks with the player’s camp.

The young star played well last season, scoring ten goals and creating seven assists for Hoffenheim. He can play in several attacking roles, which has caught the eye of many top clubs.

Borussia Dortmund have also watched Asllani for many months. However, the Black and Yellows must first sort out the future of Serhou Guirassy before they bid. This delay could help Leipzig win the race for his signature.

Even with this interest, Leipzig already have several options in attack. Young players Rômulo, Conrad Harder, and Samba Konaté are all fighting for places up front. Manager Marco Rose must decide if he needs Asllani or if he trusts his current group.

• Baumann loses Germany starting place to returning Bayern Munich legend Neuer
• The 40-year-old keeper ends international retirement to reclaim the No.1 shirt
• Hoffenheim star admits the decision hurt but vows to put the team first
• Coach Julian Nagelsmann praises Baumann’s professional attitude

Hoffenheim goalkeeper Oliver Baumann has spoken openly about his pain after losing his role as Germany’s first-choice keeper. The 34-year-old kept goal during every World Cup qualifying match. However, he will now sit on the bench during the tournament.

Manuel Neuer has ended his international retirement to take back the gloves. The 40-year-old Bayern Munich icon missed Saturday’s friendly against the United States because of a calf problem. Baumann played instead and helped Germany secure a 2-1 win.

National team coach Julian Nagelsmann confirmed Neuer will return for Sunday’s opener against Curaçao. This means Baumann drops to the bench despite his strong qualifying performances.

After the match against the USA, Baumann did not hide his feelings. “It hurt at first. It was not pleasant,” he told RTL. However, he quickly changed his focus to help the team. “I knew straight away I must serve the squad. This is the World Cup. Personal feelings are not important now,” he explained.

Nagelsmann praised Baumann’s reaction. “I want to give Oliver a huge compliment. He is a super professional. He has put the team first in recent weeks,” the coach said.

• Alejandro Grimaldo claims the top individual prize with seven out of ten votes from Bulinews writers
• The Spain international contributed 14 goals and led the squad in assists during a turbulent campaign
• Managerial upheaval saw Erik ten Hag dismissed after just two matches and Kasper Hjulmand will also depart
• Rising stars Ibrahim Maza and Jarell Quansah received recognition with two and one votes respectively
• Patrick Schick failed to secure any votes despite finishing as the club’s leading marksman

Spanish defender Alejandro Grimaldo has capped his likely farewell campaign at Bayer Leverkusen by securing the club’s Player of the Season accolade. The attacking full-back dominated the voting process, capturing seven out of ten ballots cast by Bulinews journalists.

The 30-year-old enjoyed a remarkable term on the pitch despite chaos on the sidelines. The BayArena outfit parted ways with Erik ten Hag following a disastrous start that saw the Dutchman lose his job after only two fixtures. Although the team recovered to secure sixth position in the German top flight and enjoyed a respectable European run, sporting directors decided against retaining Kasper Hjulmand beyond the summer.

Grimaldo’s durability proved crucial throughout the schedule. Alongside compatriot Aleix Garcia, he formed part of an exclusive duo that clocked over 4,000 minutes across all competitions. The former Benfica man topped the charts for goal contributions from defence, registering more assists than any teammate while finding the net 14 times in total. Only striker Patrick Schick managed to outscore him, yet the Czech forward surprisingly failed to attract a single vote despite his prolific form in the closing weeks.

The left-sided star demonstrated his attacking prowess with three separate braces, including a memorable double during the 6-3 demolition of Wolfsburg on matchday 28. He maintained exceptional availability, sitting out only one fixture after the winter break during the home stalemate against champions Bayern Munich.

Set-piece excellence marked Grimaldo’s impact under Hjulmand. He marked the Danish coach’s debut by converting two direct free-kicks, eventually reaching five such strikes for the term. This figure surpasses his combined total from the previous two campaigns.

Young talents Ibrahim Maza and Jarell Quansah earned plaudits with two and one votes respectively. Both players have earned international call-ups for the upcoming World Cup following impressive breakthrough performances in their debut Bundesliga seasons.

• Julian Nagelsmann has drafted Assan Ouédraogo into Germany’s 2026 World Cup squad as a late replacement.
• Lennart Karl withdraws from the tournament after suffering a torn muscle bundle injury.
• Ouédraogo has contributed four goals and three assists in 19 Bundesliga appearances for RB Leipzig this season.
• The midfielder has earned just one senior cap for Germany prior to this call-up.
• The 20-year-old will now travel to North America for the finals across the USA, Canada and Mexico.

Julian Nagelsmann has turned to RB Leipzig talent Assan Ouédraogo following an injury blow to Lennart Karl. The Germany head coach confirmed the change after the 18-year-old Karl tore a muscle bundle, ending his hopes of featuring in the upcoming World Cup.

According to Sky Germany, Nagelsmann contacted the 20-year-old directly to inform him of his place in the squad. Ouédraogo will now join the four-time world champions for the finals in North America.

The midfielder has faced his own fitness struggles this term. Knee problems limited the former Schalke academy prospect to just 19 league matches for the Saxony-based club. Despite this, he managed to score four times and set up three goals from the middle of the park.

The Mülheim-born star has limited experience at senior international level. He has made only one appearance for Die Mannschaft to date. Now he has the chance to add to that tally on the biggest stage in world football.

• Aston Villa are monitoring Borussia Dortmund striker Serhou Guirassy
• The Guinea international wants to leave Germany this summer
• Turkish club Fenerbahçe are also interested in the 30-year-old
• A transfer to Saudi Arabia is currently unlikely

German newspaper Sport BILD reports that Aston Villa want to sign Serhou Guirassy. The Premier League side finished fourth last term. They will compete in the Champions League next season.

The Villains are keeping close tabs on the Borussia Dortmund forward. The 30-year-old plans to quit Signal Iduna Park when the transfer window opens. However, it remains unclear if he wishes to test himself in England’s top flight.

Guirassy scored 17 goals in 33 Bundesliga matches this campaign. Turkish giants Fenerbahçe are also pursuing the hitman. A move to the Saudi Pro League appears off the cards for now.

The Midlands club must now decide how much they are willing to pay for the striker’s signature.