World Cup: Young prospects to keep an eye on
With the World Cup upon us, here are some potential young prospects playing at this years tournament. Group A: Hugo Sochurek (17) – Czech Republic At 17 years old, Hugo Sochurek is the youngest player included in the Czech squad and recently became the youngest player to represent the nation. The midfielder has represented Czech at U17 and U19 level and has made 1 appearance for the senior team. The youngster made ten appearance for Sparta Prague last campaign, where he picked up 2 assists. The midfielder is active in regaining possession and capable of covering a lot of ground. He is very mature with the ball at his feet, smart under pressure and thrives in progressive runs and dribbles. Gilberto Mora (17) – Mexico The attacking midfielder, who is set to become the youngest player to represent Mexico at a World Cup, has represented Mexico 9 times. The youngster has already played 53 competitive matches at club level in the Mexican first division for Tijuana, bagging ten goals. The youngster does have previous tournament experience, having played in the U20 World Cup, where he started five games, scored three goals and provided two assists. Mbekezeli Mbokazi (20) – South Africa Mbokazi is a young central defender who made his professional debut in early 2025 for Orlando Pirates in the MLS, and became a key player, captaining the side at a very young age. The left-footed defender now plays for Chicago Fire, where he has played fourteen matches. For South Africa, Mbokazi, in total, has made ten appearances, with four of those coming in the Africa Cup of Nations. Jens Castrop (22) – South Korea Castrop, who played for Germany at various youth levels before switching to South Korea in August last year, is a versatile player, making him a useful asset to this South Korea side. The 22-year-old, who has played mostly in the middle on the international stage and at full-back for Bundesliga outfit Borussia Monchengladbach, started twenty Bundesliga matches last campaign, where he made 58 tackles, better than 91 percent of Bundesliga fullbacks, despite not starting in fourteen of the thirty four Bundesliga matches. Castrop, should he feature, will make his first competitive international appearance. He has featured in seven games for South Korea, all coming in friendlies. Group B: Kerim Alajbegovic (18) – Bosnia The 18-year-old striker who currently plays in Austria has found the net 13 times this campaign for RB Salzburg, currently rated as one of the brightest prospects for Bosnia. The former Bayer Leverkusen youth product has been known for his pace and technical ability, as well as that, he can play down both wings as well behind the striker and is known for his goals which will be highly beneficial this World Cup. Mladen Jurkas (18) – Bosnia A very late call-up for the teenager as it comes a shock for the Borac Banja Luka keeper. It’s been an eventful year for the keeper as just one-year-ago, he was just starting to gain first-team action in Bosnia’s second tier and now, he’s off to a World Cup. The young keeper kept 16 clean sheets last season, after making his debut at just 17 for Borac which gained him a spot in the reserve list but an injury to Osman Hadzikic saw the teenager called upon to feature at the World Cup. The keeper has only ever been capped at both U17 and U21 level with this being his very first senior call-up and what a chance this may be for the 18-year-old. Niko Sigur (22) – Canada The right-back who has looked very solid over in Croatia this season for Hajduk Split may be one to watch. Although, Alistair Johnston looks to be the man to start, Sigur could be a decent option off the bench if needed and as we know, Johnston hasn’t had an easy season at Celtic, with injuries impacting his season. Sigur can also play as a defensive midfielder has shown he is full on energy and can bring pace to the full-back options in which he reads the game to perfection and can time a challenge brilliantly which would come in handy for Canada which is a great option if they need him off the bench. Johan Manzambi (20) – Switzerland The Freiburg midfielder has had an impressive season in Germany this season, netting seven times with six assists for a player who is naturally a defensive midfielder. Johan can also play all across the midfield, including helping out on both flanks and has done it well this season as well as helping his side to the Europa League final, losing out to Aston Villa. He has shown that he is very capable and is a very powerful and dynamic midfielder who intercepts danger which will be crucial for this tournament. Johan has made it very hard to beat and is very good in keeping the ball and in possession which will be a gift to the Switzerland side and will be crucial to any success Switzerland have. Group C Endrick (19) – Brazil Endrick, aged 19, enjoyed an impressive loan spell at Lyon last season, which has earned him a World Cup call up. The forward, who can play off the right and through the middle, chipped in with 16 goal contributions in 21 matches (8 goals, 8 assists). Endrick has made 16 appearances for the national team, scoring 3 goals. In Brazil’s final preparation match ahead of this year’s tournament, Endrick came off the bench and netted, in a 2-1 win against Egypt, giving Brazil boss Carlo Ancelotti food for thought going into their opening match against Morocco. Rayan (19) – Brazil The young forward, who is primarily a right winger, joined Bournemouth near the end of January, and has most definitely impressed. The 19-year-old made 15 appearances, scored 5 and provided 2 assists. The Brazilian recently reached 10 goal contributions for clubs and national team in 2026. For Brazil, Rayan recently played in
‘HAW YOU, TIME TO GET UP!’- Tennents enlists Scotland legends to wake fans for historic World Cup opener
As Scotland prepare for their first World Cup match in 28 years, Tennents Lager have launched a unique campaign designed to make sure supporters don’t miss a second of the action. Steve Clarke’s side are set to kick off their World Cup campaign against Haiti at 2AM UK time and many fans are facing a dilemma. Do you stay up all night, or do you set numerous alarms to catch one of the most anticipated moments in Scottish football history? If it’s the second option, Tennents have you covered. The brewery have teamed up with Scotland Assistant Manager Steven Naismith, World Cup hero Gordon Durie and current midfielder Ryan Christie to create a series of downloadable World Cup wake-up calls that fans can use on the night of the big match. Each Scottish football icon delivers a rallying cry aimed at getting supporters out of bed and ready for kick-off. Naismith’s unmistakable message of “Haw you! Time to get up!” is joined by Gordon Durie’s classic “Get OOT your bed!” While Ryan Christie sends an enthusiastic “Come on!” from the United States as Scotland prepare for their long-awaited return to football’s biggest stage. The campaign celebrates a moment that generations of Scotland fans have waited almost three decades to experience. While thousands are making the journey to Boston, millions more will be supporting from home, pubs and fan zones across the country. The wake-up calls, accompanied by animated social media content are available through Tennents’ digital channels and can be downloaded directly for use as phone alarms. Tennents’ initiative is aimed at ensuring supporters are ready for the “Hampden Roar, not the Hampden snore” as Scotland begin their quest for World Cup glory. For many supporters, the unusual kick-off time presents a challenge. But with some of Scottish football’s most recognisable voices now handling alarm clock duties, sleeping through the biggest Scotland game in a generation should no longer be an excuse. After 28 long years, Scotland fans won’t want to hit snooze on history.
