The FIFA World Cup has long been the ultimate launchpad for young football talent, turning promising prospects into household global names overnight. As the 2026 tournament co-hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada approaches, AFP Sport has profiled five standout young players widely tipped to emerge as the competition’s next breakout superstar.
First up is 21-year-old Nico Paz, a product of the Real Madrid academy who currently plies his trade at Italian side Como. Though born and raised in Spain, the son of former Argentina international Pablo Paz chose to represent the reigning World Cup champions. Over the past two seasons working under manager Cesc Fabregas at Como, Paz’s game has developed rapidly, with Real Madrid already preparing to trigger their buyback clause to bring the youngster back to the Spanish capital. Renowned for his polished technical skill and deadly long-range finishing, Paz has drawn attention from top clubs across Europe. For Argentina, he could step into a critical role: with coach Lionel Scaloni expected to manage 38-year-old Lionel Messi’s minutes carefully during the side’s title defense, Paz may face the high-pressure task of filling the legendary forward’s shoes.
Next is 20-year-old France winger Desire Doue, who has already proven his quality on the biggest club stage. Last season, he claimed the man-of-the-match award and netted twice in Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League final thumping of Inter Milan. The 2026 World Cup will mark his first appearance at a major senior international tournament, however. Doue faces stiff competition just to earn a starting spot in Didier Deschamps’ deep attacking corps, which already includes Kylian Mbappe, Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele and Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise. But he gave Deschamps a clear reminder of his potential in March, scoring his first two international goals during a 3-1 friendly win over Colombia.
For hosts England, 21-year-old Nico O’Reilly has emerged as a potential breakout candidate after earning the trust of Pep Guardiola to become a regular starter at treble-winning Manchester City. Originally a goal-scoring midfielder, O’Reilly has been converted into an attacking left-back by Guardiola, who has leveraged his unique combination of height, pace and technical skill to create a dangerous offensive weapon from deep positions. His emergence could also solve a long-standing problem for England manager Thomas Tuchel: during the Three Lions’ run to the Euro 2024 final, the side spent most of the tournament without a fit natural left-back after Luke Shaw’s injury. Guardiola has been full of praise for the youngster’s rapid rise, saying: “What a player. He has made an incredible step up and he has had a lot of minutes, but he deserves it.”
Brazil’s 19-year-old Endrick, one of the most hyped teenage prospects in the world, is also primed for a breakout. The prodigy made his Palmeiras debut at 16 and was signed by Real Madrid before he turned 18, and his chances of shining at the World Cup have been boosted by a successful loan spell at French side Lyon that has reignited his scoring form. Endrick made history two years ago when he scored the match-winning goal against Brazil at Wembley, becoming the Seleção’s youngest goalscorer since Ronaldo Nazário. After a slow start following his agreement to join Real Madrid, the forward has found his touch in front of goal since moving to Lyon in January 2026. Frequently compared to Brazilian legend Romario thanks to his low, powerful build, Endrick will be hoping to replicate the great’s 1994 World Cup success, when Romario scored five goals to lead Brazil to title on U.S. soil.
Rounding out the list is Spain’s Pedri, the 23-year-old midfield playmaker who has already been hailed as the natural heir to Barcelona and Spain legend Xavi Hernandez. Pedri first announced himself to the world as an 18-year-old at Euro 2020, and was a key part of Spain’s Euro 2024 title run before a hamstring injury ruled him out of the semi-final and final matches. At the club level, Pedri has put his past fitness issues behind him under Barcelona manager Hansi Flick, starring in the side’s back-to-back La Liga title triumphs over the past two seasons. With a full bill of health heading into the 2026 World Cup, Pedri is widely expected to anchor Spain’s title challenge and cement his status as one of the world’s top midfielders.