馃嚦馃嚞NigeriaWest Africa
20 young stars to watch at the 2026 World Cup
via Punch Nigeria8 min read
The 2026 World Cup is set to feature a new generation of international talent, with 20 emerging players highlighted by BBC Sport. These young stars, ranging from teenagers to slightly older prospects, are making their mark at club level and are poised to define the next stage of their careers on football's biggest stage. Notable players include Yan Diomande Ivory Coast, a 19-year-old winger for RB Leipzig valued at over 130m euros, and Gilberto Mora Mexico, a 17-year-old midfielder from Tijuana nicknamed 'The Mexican Pedri'. Other talents include Johan Manzambi Switzerland, a versatile midfielder for SC Freiburg, and Ricardo Pepi United States, a striker for PSV Eindhoven who scored 19 goals last season. Nico Paz Argentina, a midfielder for Como, and Gessime Yassine Morocco, a right-winger for Strasbourg, are also on the list. The selection features players like Lucas Herrington Australia, the youngest Australian in a World Cup squad, and Kerim Alajbegovic Bosnia-Herzegovina, an 18-year-old winger for Red Bull Salzburg. Can Uzun Turkey, a midfielder for Eintracht Frankfurt, and Armando Gonzalez Mexico, a striker for Chivas de Guadalajara, are also included. Ayyoub Bouaddi Morocco, an 18-year-old midfielder for Lille, and Houssem Aouar Algeria, a midfielder for Al-Ittihad, bring experience. Alessandro Circati Australia, a centre-back for Parma, and Ali Jasim Iraq, a left-winger for Como, are set to impress. Mohamed Amoura Algeria, a striker for Wolfsburg, and Luis Suarez Colom
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