FIFA World Cup 2026: Top 10 Youngsters to Check in Mega Event as Argentina and Former Champions Look to Recreate the Magic
The FIFA World Cup 2026 will be one of a kind with the introduction of technological innovations and increased team participation. The 2026 World Cup will also be hosted by 3 nations, which is the first of its kind, as 16 cities welcome 48 participating countries. This Tournament will serve as a farewell to Great icons like Cristiano Ronaldo(40), Lionel Messi (37) and Luka Modric (39), who have appeared at the Mundial in the last 5 editions.
As the Icons prepare to leave the stage, the next generation is expected to take their place on a stage that will either elevate or diminish the status of these young players to international stardom.
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Florian Wirtz
Florian Wirtz will be 23 when the World Cup in North America begins and he has come a long way since making his debut under Joachim Low in 2021. Having amassed 31 appearances for Germany in 4 and a half years, he will arrive at the Mundial as one of the influential leaders on the pitch despite his relative inexperience on the world stage. He will look to lead Germany to its first World Cup triumph in over a decade.
Jamal Musiala
The German-born attacking midfielder, a product of Chelsea Academy, initially represented England at the youth level before switching allegiance to Germany at the age of 17 in 2021. Both players have formed a lethal partnership under manager Julian Nagelsmann, reigniting the passion of the fans in a team that looked lost under previous coaches like Joachim Low and Hansi Flick.
Lámina Yamal
Fans await the entrance of the La Masia product on the world stage, and the 2026 FIFA World Cup is the perfect opportunity to announce his arrival. By the time the tournament begins next year, the Barca starlet will still be 17 years old and will only turn 18 six days before the final is played in New York, New Jersey Stadium on 19th July 2026. Instrumental Euro 2024 win, Yamal is one of the top talents to watch in the FIFA World Cup 2026.
He is expected to lead a young Spain side alongside Nico Williams and Dean Huijsen as many expect Spain to be favourites for the Tournament.
Jude Bellingham
Bursting onto the international scene in 2020, 21-year-old Jude Bellingham has grown from strength to strength, often taking up the leadership role in a team that continues to evolve. England are expected to qualify in a group that includes Albania, Latvia, Serbia and Andorra. After missing out in the Euro final, the England side will be aiming for a better performance in the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Despite the laboured victory over Andorra, new manager Thomas Tuchel will hope to see more than the 6 goals from Bellingham during the qualifiers and especially at the World Cup. He will be 22 when the World Cup begins, meaning there’s still enough time to improve at Real Madrid.
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Estavao
New Brazil manager, Carlo Ancelotti, confessed he knew little of the 18-year-old Chelsea attacker until he was called up to the Brazil senior national team for a World Cup qualifier. Ancelotti then proceeded to describe him as a talented player who is humble and will do great things. He scored 11 goals and created 5 assists in total in 2025 and looks ready to lead Brazil alongside Vinicius, Rodrygo and Endrick to World Cup success next year.
Kendry Paez
The 18-year-old Ecuadorian will join Chelsea in the 2025-26 season and has shown he is ready for the world stage. he has dazzled for Ecuador in World Cup qualifiers, helping the team gather 24 points, only behind Argentina on the table. His place is assured when the Mundial begins giving him the opportunity to show the world why he is nicknamed Di Maria with his tenacity and guile on the ball.The star will be raring to show his talent in FIFA World Cup 2026.
Desire Doue
The young 19-year-old from Angers, Maine-et-Loire, shocked Inter Milan and the entire world to devastating effect when he put 2 goals and an assist in the UEFA Champions League final. His partnership with Demebele and Mbappe promises to be frightening once the World Cup begins, if manager Didier Deschamps can produce the right combinations to create a balance for the team.
Joao Neves
Born in September 2004, the 20-year-old midfielder is on the list of talented Portuguese midfielders like Luis Figo, Rui Costa and Bruno Fernandes. He is ready to make their mark on the global stage of international football. The young PSG starlet will hope to continue his progress under Roberto Martinez in what promises to be a young but star-studded Portugal team. After winning the Nations League in 2025, the Portuguese side will be riding high on confidence for the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Arda Guler
His stunning long-range goal against Georgia at the 2024 European Championship was the perfect announcement for the 20-year-old Turkey international. He has scored 5 goals in total, a good return for a player who only made his debut in 2023. Qualifying from the same group as Spain, Georgia, and Bulgaria will prove a stern test, but they have been brilliant under manager Vincenzo Montella.
Dean Huijsen
The former Bournemouth defender has had a Wild 2024-25 season. From being ostracised from Juventus to playing for Real Madrid at the Club World Cup, and now starting for Spain at the World Cup. He has been guaranteed to be a starter with Real Madrid, and the 20-year-old has become a favourite of Coach Luis De la Fuente in Spain, meaning, barring injuries, the Dutch-born defender will be at the World Cup and is expected to be one of the stand-out Emerging talents there.
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