The World Cup has always been a proving ground for football’s most gifted youngsters, turning promising teenagers into global icons.

From Pelé, who led Brazil to triumph in 1958 at just 17, to Kylian Mbappé, who became a superstar as a 19-year-old guiding France to victory in 2018, history is filled with examples of young players seizing their moment on the biggest stage.

England’s Michael Owen also experienced his breakout tournament at 18 during the 1998 World Cup in France.

The 2026 edition looks set to continue this tradition. According to FIFA’s official squad lists for all 48 participating teams, 22 teenagers are expected to feature this summer.

Among them are several who have already made names for themselves in Europe’s top leagues: Barcelona’s 18-year-old Lamine Yamal and 19-year-old Pau Cubarsí have both been outstanding, while Germany’s 18-year-old Lennart Karl enjoyed a breakthrough campaign with Bayern Munich.

Beyond this teenage core, several slightly older young talents are also preparing to make their World Cup debuts.

That group includes 20-year-old Warren Zaïre-Emery and 21-year-old Désiré Doué, both French internationals who have become regulars for Paris Saint-Germain, the two-time defending UEFA Champions League winners.

Other 21-year-olds tipped for their first World Cup appearances include Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly and Real Madrid’s Arda Güler. Nico Paz, also 21, secured a place in Argentina’s squad after an exceptional season with Italian side Como, helping them qualify for the Champions League for the first time.

Here’s a detailed look at five teenage talents who could make a major impact at the 2026 World Cup:

Mexico’s Mora stands out as one of the nation’s most exciting prospects in recent memory and could become the youngest Mexican ever to appear in a World Cup at just 17. He is the youngest registered player among all 48 squads. The midfielder has been impressing in Liga MX with Tijuana and was a starter in the Mexico side that won the Gold Cup in 2025.

In August 2024, Mora became the youngest player to start and score in Mexico’s top division at 15, later making his senior international debut at 16 in January 2025. European giants such as Real Madrid, Barcelona, and several Premier League clubs are reportedly tracking his progress.

Ivory Coast’s 19-year-old winger Yan Diomande is another player expected to draw attention after a strong season with RB Leipzig in Germany. Born in Ivory Coast but raised in the United States, he excelled in Florida’s high school football scene before trials with MLS sides Colorado and Charlotte led to a move to Spanish club Leganes in 2024.

Leipzig signed him shortly after, and he has since debuted for Ivory Coast, featuring in the Africa Cup of Nations.

Brazil’s 19-year-old forward Endrick will also have the chance to shine, having ended his season on a high with Lyon in the French league. After developing at Palmeiras and securing a move to Real Madrid, Endrick initially struggled for form but rediscovered his confidence on loan at Lyon.

His resurgence convinced Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti to include him in the World Cup squad, where he will compete for minutes alongside Neymar, Vinícius Júnior, and Raphinha, as well as another emerging star — 19-year-old Rayan — who impressed during his debut Premier League season with Bournemouth.

Senegal’s 18-year-old Mbaye made headlines earlier this year by becoming the youngest goal scorer for his nation in the Africa Cup of Nations, helping Senegal reach the final at just 17. A product of PSG’s academy, Mbaye made his Ligue 1 debut at 16 in 2024 and featured in the Champions League the following year. His playing time increased significantly this season as PSG went on to win Europe’s top club competition.

Ecuador’s 19-year-old playmaker Kendry Páez is already a regular for his national team. Chelsea finalised his transfer from Independiente del Valle in 2023, set to take effect when he turned 18 in 2025. After being loaned to Strasbourg last season, he is currently playing for Argentine giants River Plate. A standout World Cup campaign could pave the way for Páez’s return to Europe, as he continues to impress with his creativity, dribbling, and quick bursts of speed.