In just a day, the 2026 World Cup will kick off in the United States, Mexico and Canada. Running from June 11 to July 19, the expanded tournament will feature the world’s best national teams and, as always, it will also serve as a global stage for the game’s next generation. Among the players at the showpiece, there are a host of young players tipped not only to impress in 2026, but to shape international football for years to come. In this article, Times Sport takes a look at some of them: Lamine Yamal (Spain) Barcelona sensation Lamine Yamal is among the leading favourites for the Best Young Player award. The 18-year-old winger played a key role in Barcelona’s Spanish league triumph and was named Spanish Player of the Year for the 2025/26 season. Already a record-breaker, Yamal made history at Euro 2024 as the youngest player to play, score, and win the tournament. At the World Cup, he is expected to feature alongside fellow teenage defender Pau Cubarsí, as Spain look to blend youth with experience on the biggest stage. Yan Diomandé (Ivory Coast) Ivory Coast forward Yan Diomandé will make his World Cup debut at just 19 years and 209 days. Currently playing for RB Leipzig, Diomandé has scored three goals in his last nine international appearances and is regarded as one of Africa’s most exciting young forwards. Arda Güler (Turkey) Turkey’s creative midfielder Arda Güler, 21, arrives at the World Cup full of confidence after an impressive Euro 2024 campaign. Güler recently declared that he has “no fear of any team” at the tournament. He is expected to be central to Turkey’s ambitions, alongside Juventus forward Kenan Yıldız. Nico O’Reilly (England) Manchester City defender Nico O’Reilly has emerged as one of England’s most reliable young players. The versatile 21-year-old, who can also operate in midfield, made 55 appearances this season, scoring nine goals and providing six assists. Nico Paz (Argentina) Argentina midfielder Nico Paz, 21, is viewed as one of the players capable of easing the eventual transition from Lionel Messi, who at 38 is expected to be playing his final World Cup. Playing for Como 1907 in Italy, Paz enjoyed an outstanding 2025/26 season, scoring 12 goals and registering seven assists as the club secured an unlikely UEFA Champions League qualification. Rayan (Brazil) Brazilian midfielder Rayan Vitor Simplício Rocha, 19, earned his World Cup call-up under Carlo Ancelotti following an injury to Chelsea star Willian Estêvão. Now with Bournemouth, Rayan scored five goals and provided two assists in 15 appearances, helping the club qualify for the UEFA Europa League for the first time in their history.
