The World Cup has always had the power to transform football careers overnight. As the biggest stage in the sport, it provides players with the chance to shine under immense global scrutiny, often leading to a frenzy of transfer activity as clubs rush to sign breakout stars or unearth hidden gems.

The 2026 World Cup has proven no different. As the largest tournament ever staged, with more teams and matches than any previous edition, it has provided countless opportunities for players to impress scouts, coaches, and clubs from every corner of the world.

Among the early movers, Newcastle United have reportedly agreed a £51.5 million ($69m) deal with Freiburg for Johan Manzambi, the versatile 20-year-old attacker who played a crucial role in Switzerland’s journey to the quarter-finals.

But who else has caught the eye in North America and could be on the move this summer? Here are 10 standout performers who look set for transfers in the coming weeks and months.

Elijah Just (New Zealand)

Motherwell are unlikely to rush into selling Elijah Just, who only joined from Danish club Horsens last summer. Yet, the idea of cashing in has become far more appealing after the New Zealand winger’s impressive World Cup campaign. As Chris Sutton put it, Just has “added a few zeros” to his market value after netting three goals at the tournament.

Reports suggest Scottish champions Celtic and Ligue 1 side Toulouse are both preparing bids for Just, who recorded seven goals in his debut season at Fir Park. A transfer fee around £4 million is being discussed — ten times what Motherwell paid a year ago.

Mbekezeli Mbokazi (South Africa)

Agent Basia Michaels revealed that several “prestigious teams” have already made enquiries about Mbekezeli Mbokazi, and it’s easy to see why. The 20-year-old Chicago Fire defender was ever-present during South Africa’s historic run to the World Cup knockout stages. Napoli and Nottingham Forest are reportedly among the clubs tracking the Orlando Pirates academy product.

“I never imagined speaking to some of the people I’m speaking to right now,” Michaels told Sportsboom. “But the key thing for me is getting him into a top five league. I believe Mbokazi deserves to play in the Champions League — there’s no question about that.”

Tarik Muharemovic (Bosnia & Herzegovina)

Before the World Cup began, Gazzetta dello Sport reported that both Inter Milan and Juventus were monitoring Bosnia & Herzegovina centre-back Tarik Muharemovic, whom Juventus had sold to Sassuolo just last year. Both clubs are now regretting not acting sooner, as Sassuolo have raised their asking price after his impressive tournament performances, attracting the attention of Premier League side Sunderland.

Muharemovic is said to favour a move to Inter’s San Siro, and Juventus will benefit from a 50 percent sell-on clause if he is sold. However, given today’s market dynamics, the 23-year-old defender now seems destined for a move to the Premier League — the richest league in world football.

Julian Quinones (Mexico)

Julian Quinones had already boosted his transfer prospects by winning the Saudi Pro League Golden Boot last season with 33 goals in 31 matches, edging out Ivan Toney and Cristiano Ronaldo. His World Cup form — scoring in four of Mexico’s five games — has further strengthened his case for a Premier League move.

Although Quinones signed a contract extension with Al-Qadsiah in May, the Saudi club could demand a significant fee for the 29-year-old. Nevertheless, the prolific winger is reportedly enthusiastic about testing himself in England.

Gilberto Mora (Mexico)

Liverpool are believed to be keen on Gilberto Mora, but their pursuit may not be straightforward after the 17-year-old midfielder’s breakout World Cup campaign. Having started the tournament on the bench, Mora impressed in Mexico’s final group match against Czechia and went on to start against Ecuador and England.

The Tijuana prodigy remains raw but has shown immense potential, prompting interest from Manchester City, Arsenal, Barcelona, and Real Madrid. His current valuation is rumoured to be around €40 million.

Antonio Nusa (Norway)

Erling Haaland wasn’t Norway’s only star to turn heads in the United States. Antonio Nusa reaffirmed why he’s long been tipped for a Premier League move with a series of energetic performances on the left flank for Stale Solbakken’s side.

Tottenham, who opted not to move for Nusa in January, are now reportedly preparing a formal offer to RB Leipzig. However, Arsenal are said to be monitoring the situation closely, potentially ready to hijack another Tottenham target after securing Eberechi Eze last summer.

Crysencio Summerville (Netherlands)

West Ham United’s summer clear-out is underway, with Matheus Fernandes having joined Tottenham for £85 million. Crysencio Summerville could be next to leave the London Stadium. The Dutch forward enhanced his market value with sharp World Cup performances for the Netherlands, contributing to four goals — scoring twice — despite starting only two matches.

Summerville is now being linked with a £50 million move to 2024–25 Premier League champions Liverpool, having previously been courted by Fulham.

Ayyoub Bouaddi (Morocco)

Ayyoub Bouaddi’s calm and commanding performance in Morocco’s opening win over Brazil at the MetLife Stadium stunned many who hadn’t seen him play before. The 18-year-old Lille midfielder, long regarded as a future star, has now cemented his reputation as one of the brightest young talents in world football, starting four of Morocco’s five matches in North America.

Bouaddi is attracting strong interest from Arsenal, Liverpool, and Manchester United, all of whom are eager to secure his signature for a significant fee.

Bruno Guimaraes (Brazil)

Bruno Guimaraes endured heartbreak when he missed a first-half penalty in Brazil’s last-16 defeat to Norway. Yet, he remains one of the few bright spots in Brazil’s campaign, contributing four assists and displaying leadership throughout the tournament.

His reputation has only grown, and the Newcastle captain has now requested a transfer to Arsenal. The Gunners are reportedly seeking to negotiate a lower fee, but Newcastle are expected to demand at least £80 million for their influential midfielder.

Yan Diomande (Ivory Coast)

Yan Diomande may not have scored during Ivory Coast’s World Cup run, but his blistering pace and close control caught the attention of top European scouts. The RB Leipzig winger registered one assist but impressed throughout the tournament with his dynamic play.

Liverpool were initially favourites to sign him, but Diomande now appears set on joining Paris Saint-Germain. Despite Leipzig’s reluctance to sell immediately, the expectation is that the 19-year-old will complete a high-value move to Parc des Princes this summer.