Twenty new players to watch for at World Cup 2026
BBC Sport commentators have identified 20 emerging talents from outside the Premier League and Scottish Premiership who could define the next era of international football.
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will bring the game’s biggest names to the United States, Canada and Mexico — but alongside the established superstars, a new generation is preparing to announce itself on football’s grandest stage.
A record 1,248 players are eligible for selection at this expanded tournament, with 891 set to feature in their first World Cup. While few are complete unknowns, many will be stepping into global spotlight for the first time.
Yan Diomande (Ivory Coast) – The 19-year-old RB Leipzig winger has emerged as one of Europe’s most exciting young attackers after a breakout Bundesliga season, attracting interest from top clubs including Real Madrid and Manchester City. With 21 goal contributions in 33 matches, he heads to his first World Cup already seen as a potential global star.
Gilberto Mora (Mexico) – At just 17, Mora is the youngest player at the tournament and already a record-breaker in Mexican football. Known as the “Mexican Pedri,” the Tijuana midfielder has been fast-tracked into senior international football and carries major expectations on home soil.
Johan Manzambi (Switzerland) – The Freiburg midfielder has impressed with his versatility, energy, and attacking instincts, earning praise from Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka. With strong technical ability and a natural goal threat, he is tipped to make a major impact at his first World Cup.
Ricardo Pepi (United States) – The PSV striker enters the tournament as a key attacking hope for the co-hosts after scoring 19 goals in a title-winning season in the Netherlands. Despite limited recent international minutes, he is expected to lead the US attack under heavy pressure.
Nico Paz (Argentina) – The Como playmaker has flourished in Serie A under Cesc Fàbregas, combining creativity, dribbling, and end product with 13 goals and eight assists. A rising Argentina talent, he could play a decisive role if
Gessime Yassine (Morocco) – The Strasbourg winger has quickly risen through the ranks after shining at youth level, earning senior Morocco caps. A skilful dribbler with strong attacking instincts, he is regarded as one of Morocco’s most promising wide players.
Lucas Herrington (Australia) – The 18-year-old centre-back is Australia’s youngest-ever World Cup squad member and has adapted quickly to MLS football. Calm and composed beyond his years, he is viewed as part of Australia’s long-term defensive future.
Kerim Alajbegović (Bosnia-Herzegovina) – The Red Bull Salzburg winger has already shown maturity in high-pressure moments, including scoring decisive penalties in qualification. Highly rated for his technical ability, he is expected to grow in influence on the international stage.
Can Uzun (Turkey) – The Frankfurt midfielder made an explosive Bundesliga breakthrough before injury slowed his momentum, but he remains one of Turkey’s most promising young playmakers. He is likely to be used as an impact option in midfield.
Armando González (Mexico) – The Chivas striker has drawn comparisons to Javier Hernández after a prolific domestic season and is seen as a future attacking leader for Mexico. While still developing internationally, he offers strong finishing ability and movement.
Ayyoub Bouaddi (Morocco) – The Lille midfielder, nicknamed “Einstein,” is admired for his intelligence, composure, and tactical discipline. Recently integrated into Morocco’s senior squad, he is expected to play a key role in controlling midfield tempo.
Houssem Aouar (Algeria) – Once a rising star at Lyon, Aouar has rediscovered form at Al-Ittihad and brings creativity and experience to Algeria’s midfield. Now fully settled internationally, he is expected to be a central figure in their campaign.
Alessandro Circati (Australia) – The Parma defender has become a leader in Australia’s backline despite his age, even captaining the national team. Strong in the air and composed on the ball, he is a key defensive pillar for the Socceroos.
Ali Jasim (Iraq) – A prodigious talent who debuted professionally at 14, Jasim is a skillful winger known for his dribbling and creativity. Now developing in Saudi Arabia, he will be a key attacking outlet for Iraq.
Mohamed Amoura (Algeria) – One of Africa’s standout qualifiers, Amoura offers pace, directness, and clinical finishing across the front line. Despite a mixed club season, he remains Algeria’s most dangerous attacking threat.
Luis Suárez (Colombia) – The Sporting CP striker has enjoyed a breakout season in Portugal, scoring prolifically after his move from Almería. Arriving in top form, he heads into his first World Cup as a key attacking weapon for Colombia.
Brian Gutiérrez (Mexico) – The Guadalajara midfielder switched allegiance from the United States and quickly became a creative spark for Mexico. Comfortable between the lines, he adds energy and invention to the hosts’ midfield.
Bazoumana Touré (Ivory Coast) – Nicknamed “The Hurricane,” the Hoffenheim winger is known for explosive pace and direct attacking play. With growing influence in the Bundesliga, he offers Ivory Coast a dangerous counterattacking option.
Ibrahim Maza (Algeria) – The Leverkusen midfielder, nicknamed “Mazadona,” is a highly technical playmaker capable of operating in multiple attacking roles. One of Algeria’s brightest young talents, he continues to rise at club and international level.
Luka Vušković (Croatia) – The Tottenham-owned centre-back has impressed across European loan spells with his physical dominance and surprising goal threat. Widely regarded as a future defensive cornerstone, he could enhance his reputation further at the World Cup.
