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 a friendly against Panama, where he scored his first goal for the country in a 6-2 win.
Ayyoub Bouaddi (18) – Morocco
Bouaddi is a defensive midfielder, who, at 18 years of age, has already played 96 matches for Lille in Ligue 1. The midfielder ranks high in terms of duels won (142), percentage of aerial duels won (64.1%), tackles (59) and recoveries (151). He also finished the last Ligue 1 season in the top 2% of midfielders in successful dribbles (34). The talented teenager, who has been heavily linked with a move to Premier League Champions Arsenal, ranked 5th in the top 7 leagues U21 midfielders, in terms of possession won (236).
Findlay Curtis (19) – Scotland
Curtis is an exciting winger, who enjoyed an impressive loan spell at Kilmarnock last campaign, scoring 6 and providing 1 assist since joining in January, to ensure Kilmarnock’s safety in the Scottish Premiership. The teenager impressed in a recently friendly against Curacao, who will also be competing at this year’s World Cup, Curtis scored moments after coming on, then went on to win a penalty, which was dispatched by Christie. Curtis ranked in the top 10% of wingers in the Scottish Premiership in terms of successful dribbles per 90 (1.49) and ranked highest in terms of goals per 90 for Scottish Premiership wingers (0.43).
Group D
Mohamed Toure (22) -Australlia
The Norwich striker has been a standout in the EFL Championship since joining from Randers in January. Toure has made 12 appearances for Norwich, netting 10 times with three assists as he looks to continue his form into the World Cup. The striker has shown exactly why he is on the plane this year with his goal-scoring ability, it was an easy decision to call-up the forward. He is known for his power and bursting pace creating very dangerous attacks which almost certainly will end up in the net as we have seen for Norwich. He is great at hold up play and is a nightmare for opponents. Very clinical in front of goal and a massive boost for Australia’s World Cup dream.
Julio Enciso (22) – Paraquay
Julio Enciso the young gem for Paraguay has had his best season so far in his career, being a standout in France for Strasbourg, netting 12 times with 9 assists since joining from Brighton after failing to make an impact in the Premier League. The attacker has 32 caps for the Paraquay national side so far with 4 goals to his name. The former Brighton man explodes with pace and is known for very good ball control with his expected goals being as high as 7.60 xG.
Kenan Yildiz (21) – Turkey
The young Turkish attacking midfielder has had breakout season in Italy with Juventus, scoring 14 times with 10 assists throughout the campaign. The midfielder has represented Turkey 28 times at senior level, being key to leading Turkey to the World Cup. Yildiz has been at Juventus much of his career, after joining from the Bayern Munich academy in 2021, coming from the Juventus into the first-team in 2022, making a huge impact for the Serie A outfit.
Ricardo Pepi (23) – USA
The American striker has been in fine form in the Netherlands this campaign, bagging 19 goals in 34 for PSV Eindhoven this season. Pepi has made 37 appearances for the USA, netting on 13 occasions as he looks to bring his goal scoring record onto the big stage. The striker is expected 0.73 goals per game. The striker has scored 100% of his shots taking for PSV meaning he is a very clinical striker and should be very vital for the USA this summer.
Group E
Anthony Valencia (22) – Ecuador
Valencia is a young midfielder who can play in the ten, but can also play as a right wing-back. The 22-year-old completed 2.45 dribbles per 90 mins the Belgian first division last season, which ranked in the top 10% of wingers and attacking midfielders in the league. Valencia featured in a friendly on May 31st against Saudi Arabia, where he played the 90 minutes and netted in a 3-1 win. The midfielder also played 60 minutes in a recent friendly against Guatemala, which Ecuador won 3-0.
Christ Inao Oulaï (19) – Ivory Coast
The DM, who plays in the Turkish first division for Trabzonspor, has impressed since joining from SC Bastia. The midfielder has caught the eye of Premier League sides Chelsea and Tottenham outfits, and it’s clear to see why. Christ is an all rounder that thrives in all areas of his game. He is comfortable on the ball, creating 40 chances in 24 starts in the league. The talented teenager is more than than capable of taking on a man, having completed more dribbles than 98% of midfielders in the League last season. As well as his offensive attributes, Christ is brilliant defensively – won 146 duels in 24 starts in the league.
Yan Diomande (19) – Ivory Coast
Yan Diomande’s 25/26 campaign is categorically the best u21 season in recent memory from the Bundesliga. In the Bundesliga last season, the winger ranked in the top 4% in terms of progressive carries, top 5% in terms of successful dribbles and top 6% in terms of key passes. The highly tlented winger is heavily linked with a move to 2024/25 Premier League Champions Liverpool.
Assan Ouédraogo (20) – Germany
Ouédraogo is a late arrival to the squad, replacing Karl who picked up an injury in training. Ouédraogo has only played 25 matches for RB Leipzig since signing in the summer of 2024, due to injuries. However, when fit, Ouédraogo is a dangerous winger that can produce moments of magic. In only 13 starts for RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga last season, Ouédraogo scored 4 goals and provided 3 assists. The winger needed just 2 minutes to net his first goal, in his first appearance for the German national team, which came in a 6-0 win against Slovakia.
Group F
Kento Shiogai (21) – Japan
Shiogai is becoming a very big prospect for Japan. Joining German side Wolfsburg in January, he has bagged 1 goal for the German side since joining in what has been a very poor season for his side. Kento is very well known for his bolstering pace after reaching the sprint speed of 36.2km/h which will become very handy this World Cup. In March, Kento was awarded his first Japan call-up where he bagged an assist on his debut which secured the win for his side. After his outstanding start, he has been given a very deserved spot on the plane to play at the World Cup.
Jorrel Hato (20) – Netherlands
Hato started his career through the Ajax academy, breaking into the side in 2023 becoming a key player for Ajax. The defender can play a range of areas including centre-back, left-back and defensive midfield. Hato gained a massive move to the Premier League, joining Chelsea where he went on to make 36 appearances. Per game, Hato averages at 7.88 defensive contributions and 2.84 tackles with the Chelsea man set to be a key player for the Netherlands.
Yain Ayari (22) – Sweden
The Brighton midfielder has had a brilliant season with Brighton, guiding them back to European Football for next season in the UEFA Conference League. The 22-year-old has featured 32 for Albion, scoring 4 times with 3 assists. For the Sweden National side, Ayari has made 21 appearances with a crucial assist in their 3-2 win over Poland which got them to the World Cup.
Junnosuke Suzuki (22) – Japan
A solid player the back in Suzuki after a successful season in Denmark with Copenhagen being a very solid option at the back. The defender can play central and at right-back and has made 36 appearances for Copenhagen. The defender joined from Shohan Bellmare in 2025 being a standout for the Danish side. This season, he averaged at a 7.1 rating, winning 90% of his arial duels. He has also featured 6 times for Japan, keeping a clean sheet against Scotland in March as well as England in their friendlies.
Group G
Matias Fernandez-Pardo (21) – Belgium
– Matias Fernandez-Pardo is a young versatile forward, who can play on either wing, but mainly thrives as a striker. The 21-year-old plays for Lille in Ligue 1 and enjoyed a successful 2025/26 season at the French outfit, scoring 8 goals and providing 5 assists in 27 Ligue 1 starts. The Belgian youngster is yet to get a proper chance to prove himself on the international stage, only playing a combined 33 minutes across two friendlies against Croatia and Tunisia.
Nathan Ngoy (22) – Belgium
– Ngoy is a young defender who also plays for Lille. Ngoy, who can also play at full-back when needed, played the majority of Belgium two warm up games going into the World Cup, playing 68 minutes against Croatia, keeping a clean sheet, and played the full 90 against Tunisia, also keeping a clean sheet, which has caught the eye of Belgians, who want to see the young defender start the opening match.
Jesse Randall (23) – New Zealand
– Randall, who is set to join Scottish side Dundee United following the conclusion of the tournament, started 26 matches in the A-League and netted 9 times and also provided 6 assists. Randall’s ability to play up front and out wide would have likely played a big part in him making the squad. Randall believes that his pace is his best attribute. In the A-League last season, Randall created 2.08 chances per 90, highlighting his creative ability.
Lachlan Bayliss (23) – New Zealand
– Bayliss is an attacking midfielder who had a respectable season with Newcastle Jets, which has earned him a spot on the plane. In 17 A-League starts, Bayliss scored 5 goals in only 1.99 XG and provided 3 assists. The midfielder has never got a proper chance to prove himself in a New Zealand shirt. Bayliss played 6 minutes against England and 26 minutes against Haiti. In his other two caps, Bayliss played 18 minutes against Chile and 25 minutes against Finland. The Newcastle Jets star will be hoping that his domestic performances will earn him more minutes for New Zealand at this year’s World Cup.
Group H
Pau Cubarsi (19) – Spain
All eyes are on Yamal this World Cup for Spain but there are many others to look out for. Cubarsi for Barcelona has been quality, playing 48 times with 1 goal for the Spanish Champions. Pau played a crucial role in getting Spain to the World Cup, including an expected clean-sheet against Georgia twice. The defender has made 11 National Team appearances as he looks to help Spain get over the line and win the competition.
Victor Munoz (22) – Spain
A very big surprise call-up in Munoz who has been on a breakthrough campaign in Spain for Osasuna after joining from Real Madrid. He has went down as one of the quickest wingers in Spain after reaching a staggering 35km/h as he looks to bring that onto the big stage. The winger scored first time of asking in a 3-0 victory over Serbia in March in which is a dream come true for the 22-year-old.
Gavi (21) – Spain
Another Barcelona star which could be vital for Spain this World Cup. Gavi is known for his dominance in the middle of the park as well as his ability for passing as he has done in the past for both Spain and Barcelona. Gavi has only made 13 appearances this campaign but has been a key player in recent seasons. Gavi has made 29 caps for Spain, being a very consistent performer in recent years for his National side.
Mohammed Abu Al Shamat (23) – Saudi Arabia
A player known for being versatile, Mohammed can play in right-back, wingback, right-mid as well as an attacking midfielder and is known for assists after bagging 8 for Al Qadisah last season. Mohammed always seems to be involved in the play as much as possible, getting 99% touches in games. The defender has made 7 National team appearances with most recently, a clean sheet in a 3-0 win over Puerto Rico.
Group I
Warren Zaïre-Emery (20) – France
– Zaïre-Emery, who predominately plays midfield, but also played full-back, played a big part in what was another historic season for French giants PSG, winning both Ligue 1 and retaining the Champions League. Zaïre-Emery featured in 32 of PSG’s 34 Ligue 1 matches and started 15 matches in the Champions League. In all competitions, the midfielder featured in 61 matches for PSG. The Frenchman is comfortable on the ball and is creative. In Ligue 1 last season, Zaïre-Emery created 1.54 chances per 90, despite playing at full-back in some of the games. In France’s two warm up games going into this year’s tournament, Zaïre-Emery played a total of 12 minutes.
Antonio Nusa (21) – Norway
– Nusa, who is a 21-year-old winger, enjoyed a decent season in the Bundesliga, which has caught the eye of football fans around the world, who expect him to have a terrific tournament. Nusa completed 3.01 dribbles per 90 in the Bundesliga last season, which ranked in the top 5% of wingers. For Norway, Nusa has made 24 appearances, where he has netted 8 times and provided 9 assists.
Ibrahim Mbaye (18) – Senegal
– Mbaye is a winger that can play on both sides. The teenager is very direct and is an elite ball carrier. Mbaye featured in 32 matches for PSG last season in all competitions. For Senegal, Mbaye has made 10 appearances, scoring 3 goals. The Senegalese forward has been heavily linked with a move to Europa League winners Aston Villa.
Lamine Camara (22) – Senegal
– Camara is a young midfielder who plays for Monaco in Ligue 1. The Senegalese midfielder created 1.70 chances per 90 in Ligue last season, Camara won 6.56 duels per 90 in the league, only 8% of midfielders won more per 90. Camara has already made 40 appearances for Senegal and played a part in their AFCON ‘win’.
Ibrahim Maza (20) – Algeria
The Algerian midfielder has shown to be a very good option for Algeria – a team who some may have as a dark horse this campaign. Maza who currently plays at Bayer Leverkusen has featured 44 times with 5 goals and 6 assists in Germany. Maza joined from Hertha Berlin after an impressive time there after being at the club since the U17s. Maza was originally in the German U19s squad but switched to Algeria, making 16 senior appearances in the past 2 years and could certainly be a standout this tournament.
Nico Paz (21) – Argentina
Argentina, the last World Cup Champions seem to have a very experienced squad but one player who seems to be an exciting watch is Nico Paz. Nico joined Cesc Fabergas and Como from Real Madrid’s youth side last season and made the instant impact but this season has been something else. 13 goals and 7 assists for Paz has seen him get a well deserved call-up. Paz has already made 8 caps for Argentina, performing very well in each game. The Como star certainly isn’t afraid to take on a shot, with many paying off but can also help out defensively with 92% defensive contributions with Como. Paz can play on the right-flank as well as a number 9.
Valentin Barco (21) – Argentina
Barco, another bright talent for Argentina who has had an impact season in France with Strasbourg. The 21-year-old has a brilliant delivery, creating 92% chances in France. Barco can play in all central, attacking and defensive midfield. The midfielder has featured 3 times for Argentina, scoring in his second game, in a 5-0 win over Zambia. The Argentina International has also played for Boca Juniors, Brighton and Sevilla in past years.
Paul Wanner (20) – Austria
Wanner, an exciting young attacker who knows exactly what it takes to win, hoping to take that mentality into the World Cup. The attacker most recently won the league title with PSV Eindhoven, as well as that, he has also won two Bundesliga titles with Bayern Munich as well as two Super Cups. Wanner has been at Bayern at the early days of his career as well as small stints at both Elversberg and Heidenheim. Wanner was once a Germany International, playing over 15 times at youth level before switching to Austria, making 3 caps as it stands.
Group K
Gustavo Puerta (22) – Colombia
– Puerta is a defensive midfielder who played a part in Racing Santander’s promotion to La Liga, for the first time in 14 years. The 22-year-old scored on his first senior cap against New Zealand in November.
Noah Sadiki (21) – Congo
– Sadiki is a versatile midfielder, who had a breakthrough season in the Premier League with Sunderland, starting 33 matches as Sunderland finished in a Europa League spot. Sadiki, who grew up in Belgium, has already made 17 appearances for DR Congo.
Francisco Conceição (23) – Portugal
– Conceição is a winger who currently plays for Italian giants Juventus. The 23-year-old started 27 matches in Serie A last season, where he scored 3 and provided 5 assists. The tricky winger completed 54 dribbles in Serie A last season and created 42 chances. The forward has featured in 16 games for Portugal since his first cap in 2024 and has, thus far, scored 3 goals. Conceição comes into this tournament off the back two consecutive games with a goal contribution, providing an assist against Torino and providing an assist in Portugal’s warm up match against Chile.
Abbosbek Fayzullaev (22) – Uzbekistan
– Fayzullaev, aged 22, is a winger who plays for Basaksehir FK in the Turkish top flight. Fayzullaev has made 24 appearances so far for Uzbekistan, where he has netted 6 times and provided 2 assists. Fayzullaev scored a brilliant free-kick against Syria at the 2023 U20 Asian Cup, which caught the eye of football fans around the world, and in August of that year, he earned a move to CSKA Moscow in August of that year, where he won the Super Cup and the National Cup.
Group L
Luka Vuksovic (19) – Croatia
The Croatian has had an outstanding loan period with Hamburg, on loan from Tottenham. Luka has made 30 appearances for Hamburg, netting 6 times from defence. The Tottenham man has made 5 International caps with his first being a 5-1 win against Czech Republic in July last year. The young defender has also had spells with Hajduk Split, Radomiak Radom and Westerlo, after coming through the youth ranks at Hajduk Split. Vukasovic averages 74.5% arial duels won during his loan spell as he looks to bring his arial ability to the World Cup this year.
Igor Matenovic (23) – Croatia
A striker with unreal composure and very clinical is Matenovic. The Croatian forward has bagged 15 goals for Frieburg and is known for his ariel abilities as we have seen in Germany this season. The 6ft 4′ striker can also help out defensively, winning 51.9% of his arial duels defensively so will come in very handy for Croatia. The striker has scored twice in 8 appearances so for during his National Team spell as well as repsenting Croatia at youth level as well as Germany at U19 level before making his International switch.
Nico O’Reily (21) – England
A successful season with Manchester City which saw the young full-back become a regular starter under Pep’s side. Nico was a key part to the success, scoring a double to secure a 2-0 win over Arsenal to get their hands on the FA Cup. Nico played 55 times for City, scoring 9 and assisting 6. The defender has been at the Etihad ever since his teenage years and has made four England caps with most recently, a clean sheet in a friendly over New Zealand. Nico has featured at all levels since U16s and has become a vital player for Man City as he looks to do the same with England.
Christopher Bonsu Baah (21) – Ghana
The Ghana International has had a very good season in Saudi Arabia, gaining an average of a 7.6 rating which saw the left-midfielder net 3 goals with an impressive 13 assists to his name. He has an outstanding dribble ability in the ability to drive past players and create chances as he does best. He also has incredible pace and ball control which also helps him glide past defenders, causing nothing but chaos to opposing defenders. Last year, he came in from Genk in Belgium, where he is now managed by former Liverpool and Celtic manager, Brendan Rodgers.
