Every World Cup produces a young player who comes from nowhere and becomes a global star by the time the final whistle goes. In 1998 it was Thierry Henry. In 2006 it was a teenage Messi. In 2018 it was Mbappe. In 2022 it was Pedri. In 2026 the conversation starts and ends with Lamine Yamal.
Yamal is 18. He is already the best player at Barcelona, arguably the best in La Liga and in serious contention for the best in the world. He won the Young Player of the Tournament award at Euro 2024. He missed the end of the Barcelona season with a hamstring injury but De la Fuente confirmed he will be fit. If Spain go deep in this tournament Yamal will be the reason. His first touch, his pace, his ability to beat defenders in confined spaces — none of it looks like it belongs to a teenager. He is the frontrunner for Young Player of the Tournament and could genuinely win the overall Golden Ball.
Endrick is the Brazilian one to watch. At 18 and at Real Madrid he had a difficult first season but a loan move to Lyon transformed him — seven goals and seven assists in half a season in Ligue 1. Ancelotti has recalled him to the Brazil squad and with Vinicius and Raphinha around him he does not need to carry the weight alone. Just needs to take his chances when they come. He is quick, powerful and has a finishing ability that other teenagers simply do not possess.
Rayan Cherki at 21 is arguably the most technically gifted player at the tournament after Yamal. Manchester City paid serious money for him from Lyon and Guardiola has used him brilliantly this season. For France he could start games with Mbappe having his minutes managed. When Cherki gets space in behind defences he is almost impossible to stop.
Ayoub Bouaddi from Lille is the one most people outside of France and Morocco will not know yet. He is 18, plays in Ligue 1 and was one of Morocco's most exciting selections. Quick, direct and with a maturity in tight spaces that belies his age. If Morocco do well he will be a household name by July.
Antonio Nusa from RB Leipzig is Norway's wild card. Only 20, electric pace, capable of beating defenders at will. If Haaland and Odegaard draw the attention Nusa has the space and the quality to cause chaos.
This is the World Cup where the next generation properly arrives. Yamal is already here. The rest are coming.
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