The expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup scheduled across the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 2026 could be the ideal stage for the next generation of footballing stars to showcase their talent to the world.

From teenage prodigies to potential future Ballon d’Or winners, the World Cup has always served as a launchpad for football’s brightest young prospects to capture global attention.

Here, we highlight ten of the most exciting players aged 23 and under who could make their FIFA World Cup debut and capture the spotlight while competing in North America.

Already seen as Brazil’s next big thing, Endrick has managed the immense pressure on his young shoulders with impressive maturity. The 19-year-old Real Madrid forward has made a strong start to life in European football, netting five goals and providing seven assists while on loan at French side Lyon. His blistering pace, intelligent movement, and sharp finishing make him a candidate to be one of the breakout stars of the 2026 World Cup—and possibly a regular feature for Brazil in the tournaments to come.

Kobbie Mainoo is among the most promising young players in the Premier League and perhaps across Europe, thriving at Manchester United under Michael Carrick. Since Carrick’s appointment, Mainoo has become a crucial figure, starting every match and even playing a key role in United’s victory over rivals Manchester City in Carrick’s first game as interim manager. His composure, tactical awareness, and calm presence in midfield have firmly established him as one of England’s top young prospects. Though competition for spots in midfield is fierce, Mainoo could still feature prominently for England in the World Cup.

Ibrahim Mbaye has emerged as one of Africa’s most exciting young talents and is being closely watched as a potential breakout star ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The 18-year-old Paris Saint-Germain forward has stood out in Ligue 1 with his pace, direct dribbling, and attacking instincts. PSG manager Luis Enrique trusted him with ten starts this season, during which he scored three goals and played a crucial role in squad rotation. Seen as part of Senegal’s new generation of attacking players, Mbaye could become a key figure for both PSG and his national team if his development continues at this rate.

Pau Cubarsí has impressed throughout the season with his composure and maturity, quickly establishing himself as one of Barcelona’s best defenders as the club claimed the 2025/26 La Liga title. The La Masia graduate made 31 league appearances, showing poise and confidence far beyond his age. Having started 19 matches in his debut senior season, Cubarsí is expected to play an important role in Spain’s defence at the World Cup.

England’s current generation boasts several rising stars, and few have caught manager Thomas Tuchel’s eye more than Elliot Anderson. Still plying his trade at Nottingham Forest but attracting interest from Manchester City and Manchester United—with an estimated value of £105 million—Anderson has been a standout performer. Appearing in every Premier League fixture this season, starting 37 times, he played a pivotal role as Forest avoided relegation despite managerial instability. Logging over 3,000 minutes, Anderson contributed four goals and four assists, combining creativity, ball-carrying ability, and tactical discipline. Often partnered with England vice-captain Declan Rice, the duo could be central to England’s World Cup campaign as they aim to end a six-decade-long wait for glory.

Among Serie A’s biggest surprises this season has been Como’s remarkable rise, led in part by 21-year-old Nico Paz. The Argentine midfielder scored 12 goals and provided six assists under Cesc Fabregas, helping Como qualify for the Champions League for the first time in their history. Valued at £56 million, Paz has already earned seven international caps and scored his first goal for Argentina, positioning himself as a valuable asset in their bid to defend their world title in 2026.

Another name to watch is Manchester City’s dynamic full-back O’Reilly, who has continued the modern trend of reinventing the role. During the 2025/26 season, he scored five goals and supplied three assists under Pep Guardiola, frequently occupying advanced inverted positions. Valued at around £50 million, O’Reilly combines defensive strength with attacking flair and could be a major asset for Thomas Tuchel’s England side in his first World Cup appearance.

Joao Neves has enjoyed his most influential campaign yet for Paris Saint-Germain, contributing significantly to their Ligue 1 and Champions League victories. The 21-year-old Portuguese midfielder, known for his technical skill and tireless energy, has become a key figure alongside teammates Vitinha and Fabián Ruiz. His composure and creativity make him an integral part of both PSG’s and Portugal’s midfield, and he is expected to play a central role in Portugal’s World Cup ambitions.

Désiré Doué has rapidly risen to prominence as one of France’s most talented young players. Emerging through PSG’s ranks, Doué has demonstrated remarkable versatility—capable of playing centrally, wide, or even as a forward. With 11 goal involvements in the league and a standout performance in last year’s Champions League final against Inter Milan, he has proven himself ready for the global stage. Expected to be a key figure for France, Doué’s dribbling, vision, and finishing could make him one of the tournament’s most exciting players.

Finally, no list of young stars would be complete without Lamine Yamal. Having helped Spain win Euro 2024 at just 16, scoring stunning goals along the way, Yamal is widely regarded as the best young player heading into the World Cup. He became Spain’s youngest ever goalscorer after netting in a 7-1 win over Georgia in 2023 and continues to shine for Barcelona. With 27 goal involvements and a La Liga title to his name, the 18-year-old forward will be pivotal in Spain’s quest for their first World Cup triumph since 2010. His emergence, alongside legends like Lionel Messi, underscores La Masia’s continued excellence in producing world-class talent.

For more reports, reactions, and analysis throughout the 2026 World Cup across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, visit our website and OneFootball page.