The countdown to the 2026 FIFA World Cup is almost over, with football fans around the globe eagerly awaiting the tournament’s opening match between co-hosts Mexico and South Africa.
While established stars such as Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, Erling Haaland and Jude Bellingham are expected to dominate headlines, every World Cup also provides a platform for lesser-known talents to announce themselves on the biggest stage.
From James Rodríguez’s breakout performance in 2014 to Sofyan Amrabat’s emergence in 2022, the tournament has a rich history of transforming promising players into global stars.
As the football world turns its attention to North America, here are ten young players who could make a major impact and elevate their careers during the competition.
Ibrahim Maza (Algeria)
Algeria return to the World Cup for the first time since 2014, and one player attracting significant attention is 20-year-old attacking midfielder Ibrahim Maza.
Fresh from an impressive Bundesliga campaign with Bayer Leverkusen, Maza contributed five goals and six assists in his debut top-flight season. Nicknamed “Mazadona” during his youth, the creative playmaker has already attracted interest from several European giants.
With confidence and flair in abundance, Maza could become one of the tournament’s standout young stars.
Nestory Irankunda (Australia)
Australia’s hopes of making another deep World Cup run could rest heavily on the shoulders of exciting forward Nestory Irankunda.
The 20-year-old burst onto the scene with Adelaide United before earning a move to Bayern Munich. Although first-team opportunities were limited in Germany, Irankunda revived his progress with an impressive season at Watford.
Blessed with pace, power and a thunderous left foot, he has the potential to become Australia’s game-changer in crucial moments.
Kerim Alajbegovic (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s return to the World Cup has coincided with the rise of teenage sensation Kerim Alajbegovic.
The 18-year-old winger played a decisive role in helping his country qualify and is expected to start in attack. After scoring 13 goals for Red Bull Salzburg last season, Bayer Leverkusen moved quickly to secure his services.
His pace, technical ability and eye for goal make him one of the competition’s most exciting prospects.
Pavel Sulc (Czechia)
Pavel Sulc arrives at the World Cup following another productive campaign at club level.
The attacking midfielder enjoyed a strong season with Lyon, scoring 14 goals and providing seven assists. Comfortable operating behind the striker or from wide positions, Sulc is regarded as one of Czechia’s biggest attacking threats.
A successful tournament could further boost his growing reputation across Europe.
Noah Sadiki (DR Congo)
DR Congo’s return to football’s biggest stage after decades away will place midfielder Noah Sadiki firmly in the spotlight.
The energetic 21-year-old impressed during Sunderland’s remarkable Premier League campaign and has already drawn comparisons to former Chelsea and France star N’Golo Kanté because of his relentless work rate.
His ability to recover possession and drive his team forward could be crucial to DR Congo’s hopes of causing an upset.
Yan Diomande (Ivory Coast)
Few young players arrive at the World Cup with as much hype as Ivory Coast winger Yan Diomande.
The 19-year-old was named Bundesliga Rookie of the Year after producing an outstanding debut season with RB Leipzig, scoring 12 goals and contributing eight assists.
Already linked with some of Europe’s biggest clubs, Diomande now has the opportunity to showcase his talent to a global audience.
Gilberto Mora (Mexico)
As the youngest player at the tournament, 17-year-old Gilberto Mora carries enormous expectations.
The gifted midfielder is widely viewed as the future of Mexican football and is expected to play a key role for the co-host nation despite his age.
European clubs are monitoring his development closely, and a strong World Cup performance could accelerate his rise to stardom.
Antonio Nusa (Norway)
Much of the attention surrounding Norway will focus on Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard, but Antonio Nusa could prove equally influential.
The dynamic winger has become one of the Bundesliga’s most dangerous attacking players thanks to his pace, dribbling ability and creativity.
With eight goals and nine assists already for Norway, Nusa is capable of producing moments of magic throughout the tournament.
Ben Gannon-Doak (Scotland)
Scotland’s hopes of reaching the knockout stages may depend heavily on the fitness and form of Ben Gannon-Doak.
The young winger has battled injuries in recent years but remains one of the country’s brightest talents. His direct running, crossing ability and attacking instincts make him a constant threat.
If he stays fit, he could become one of the surprise stars of the competition.
Johan Manzambi (Switzerland)
Swiss midfielder Johan Manzambi enters the tournament after a breakthrough season with Freiburg.
Known for his tireless energy, intelligent passing and ability to contribute goals, the 20-year-old has already attracted attention from some of Europe’s elite clubs.
His partnership with experienced midfielder Granit Xhaka could be key to Switzerland’s hopes of progressing deep into the competition.
A Tournament of New Heroes
Every World Cup creates new stars, and the 2026 edition is expected to be no different.
While football’s biggest names will command the spotlight, players like Maza, Irankunda, Diomande, Mora and Nusa could emerge as the next generation of global superstars before the tournament comes to an end.
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