Learn more about the young football stars who are set to make their debut at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and their potential. Read the stories of rising stars like Pau Koubersi, Lamine Yamal, Kendry Paez.
Pele made history by winning the World Cup in 1958 at the age of just 17. Maradona, Messi, Ronaldo – they also made their presence known in the court of world football at their teenage years. The 2026 FIFA World Cup is also going to be an arena of a bunch of young, exciting talents. Whose speed will dazzle the stadiums, whose skills will amaze the world. Let’s get acquainted with ten such teenage stars who are going to make history in their first World Cup in North America.
Ten teenage hopefuls for the 2026 World Cup: At a glance
| Name | Country | Age | Position | Club |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lamine Yamal | Spain | 18 | Winger | Barcelona |
| Pau Cubarsi | Spain | 18 | Center-Back | Barcelona |
| Estevao | Brazil | 18 | Winger | Chelsea |
| Kendry Paez | Ecuador | 18 | Attacking Midfielder | Chelsea |
| Franco Mastantuono | Argentina | 18 | Winger | Real Madrid |
| Ibrahim Mbaye | Senegal | 19 | Winger | Paris Saint-Germain |
| Lennart Karl | Germany | 17 | Attacking Midfielder | Bayern Munich |
| Yan Dhomande | Ivory Coast | 19 | Forward | RB Leipzig |
| Gilberto Mora | Mexico | 16/17 | Midfielder | Club Tijuana |
| Luke Brooke-Smith | New Zealand | 17 | Forward | Wellington Phoenix |
Europe’s brightest talents: Those who are already among the best
- Pau Cubarsi (Spain): In just two years, he has risen from Barcelona’s second line to become the mainstay of Spain’s defense. His intelligent play and ball control skills have made him one of the best in the world at the age of 18. After winning Olympic gold, his goal is now the World Cup.
- Lamine Yamal (Spain): Yamal will celebrate his 19th birthday six days before the World Cup final. At 18, he is already one of the best in the Barcelona and Spain teams. He dreams of winning both the Euros and the World Cup before the age of 20.
- Lennart Karl (Germany): This 17-year-old striker for Bayern Munich has only made his debut in the Club World Cup, but he is already an indispensable part of the team’s attack. His flair, pace and keen sense of goal have made him a contender for a place in Julian Nagelsmann’s team.
Latin American magicians: The secret of the samba
- Estevao (Brazil): The 18-year-old winger, nicknamed the “Pocket Rocket“, has already cemented his place in the Brazil team. After a brilliant performance at Palmeiras, he has proven by joining Chelsea that he is indeed the next big Brazilian star.
- Kendre Paez (Ecuador): This talented playmaker, who set a World Cup qualifying record at just 16 years old, is Ecuador’s new hope. The Chelsea-owned star is playing brilliantly on loan at Strasbourg and could be the key to Ecuador’s success at the World Cup.
- Franco Mastantuno (Argentina): Mastantuno has established himself as a strong forward line at clubs like Real Madrid at the age of 18. He is fully prepared to help Argentina defend their World Cup title.
- Gilberto Mora (Mexico): The midfielder, who made his debut for Club Tijuana at the age of 15, has already made it into the Mexico team and was part of the Gold Cup-winning team. Mexican fans see him as the next superstar.
Rising stars from Africa and Oceania
- Yan Diomande (Ivory Coast): Since making his debut for Leganes last March, Diomande has been a key striker for RB Leipzig. His impressive form has helped Ivory Coast return to the World Cup after a 12-year absence.
- Ibrahim Mbappe (Senegal): The PSG winger has been captivating Senegal fans with his dribbling ability and pace. He is set to become a worthy successor to Sadio Mane as the youngest goalscorer in history at the last AFCON.
- Luke Brook-Smith (New Zealand): The 17-year-old forward could be a game-changer for the All Whites, who are returning to the World Cup after 16 years. His pace and dribbling ability could add a new dimension to New Zealand’s attack.
The future begins today
The 2026 World Cup will not just be a competition, but a grand adventure to face the future of football. These ten teenage stars will not only open a new chapter for their country, but for the entire world of football. Following the footsteps of Pele, Messi, and Ronaldo, they may be the ones to write the next glorious story in World Cup history. Their every pass, every dribble, every goal will leave an impression on the hearts of football lovers for the future. Read more
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