Who’s got next?
The likely breakout stars of the 2026 FIFA World Cup
Ibrahim Maza
The highly rated Algerian playmaker has emerged as one of North Africa’s brightest young talents. Developed at Hertha Berlin before earning a move to Bayer Leverkusen, Maza is technically gifted and thrives between the lines, combining close control, creativity and an eye for goal.
Already a full international for Algeria, the 20-year-old is viewed as a central figure in the Desert Foxes’ next generation. His ability to unlock defences and link midfield with attack could make him one of Africa’s standout young performers at the World Cup.
Ibrahim Maza.
Johan Manzambi
Born in 2005, Manzambi is regarded as one of Switzerland’s most promising midfield prospects. The dynamic midfielder has attracted attention for his ball-carrying ability, composure under pressure and tactical awareness.
Comfortable operating in a variety of midfield roles, he represents the latest product of Switzerland’s increasingly productive development system. While still establishing himself at senior level, many observers believe he has the tools to become a key figure for the national team in the years ahead.
Johan Manzambi.
Nico Paz
The elegant left-footed creator has rapidly established himself as one of Argentina’s most exciting young talents. Following an impressive breakthrough in Serie A with Como after leaving Real Madrid, Paz has earned recognition as one of the brightest prospects in world football.
Blessed with vision, creativity and excellent ball-carrying ability, the attacking midfielder offers Argentina another dimension in the final third. He is widely regarded as a player capable of becoming a major contributor for the Albiceleste over the coming years.
Nico Paz.
Nico O’Reilly
A product of Manchester City’s academy, O’Reilly has developed into one of England’s most intriguing young midfielders. Comfortable in central midfield, attacking roles and even deeper positions, he combines technical quality with physical presence and an eye for goal.
His versatility and maturity have earned praise throughout England’s youth system. Although still working toward a senior international breakthrough, he is viewed as a player with significant long-term potential.
Nico O’Reilly.
Gilberto Mora (Mexico
One of the most exciting prospects in Mexican football, Mora has generated widespread attention despite his young age. The attacking midfielder stands out for his intelligence, creativity and confidence in possession.
Comfortable receiving the ball in tight spaces and capable of creating chances for teammates, Mora is already being spoken of as a future cornerstone of Mexico’s national team. Playing on home soil could provide the ideal stage for his emergence.
Gilberto Mora.
Antonio Nusa
Norway’s attacking options continue to expand, and Antonio Nusa is a major reason why. The explosive winger has impressed at club and international level with his pace, dribbling ability and fearless approach in one-on-one situations.
Still only in his early twenties, Nusa offers genuine game-breaking quality from wide areas. Alongside stars such as Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard, he gives Norway another dangerous weapon capable of unsettling any defence.
Maghnes Akliouche
Akliouche has emerged as one of France’s most gifted young attacking players. Rising to prominence with Monaco, he has built a reputation for technical excellence, creativity and intelligence in possession.
Equally capable of scoring goals or creating them, Akliouche fits the profile of the modern attacking midfielder. With France boasting extraordinary depth, he faces fierce competition for places, but his talent suggests he could become one of the tournament’s breakout stars.
Maghnes Akliouche.
Kenan Yildiz
Already one of the most exciting young players in European football, Yildiz has quickly become a symbol of Türkiye’s emerging generation. The Juventus attacker possesses exceptional technical ability, creativity and confidence beyond his years.
Capable of operating across the front line, he combines flair with end product and has already established himself as a key player for his national team. Many view him as the player most likely to drive Türkiye’s attacking ambitions in the years ahead.
Kenan Yildiz.
Luka Vušković
Croatia’s talent production line has delivered another highly regarded prospect in Luka Vušković. Despite his youth, the towering defender has earned praise for his composure, aerial ability and maturity in possession.
Blessed with impressive physical attributes and strong technical qualities, Vušković is widely viewed as a future cornerstone of Croatia’s defence. His development is being closely watched across Europe.
Luka Vušković.
Yan Diomande
Diomande has emerged as one of Ivory Coast’s most exciting young attacking prospects. The winger is known for his pace, direct running and willingness to take on defenders in one-versus-one situations.
As the Elephants continue to integrate young talent into the squad, Diomande’s ability to stretch defences and create opportunities could make him a player to watch on the international stage.
Ayyoub Bouaddi
Bouaddi is regarded as one of the most promising young midfielders in European football. Developed by Lille, he has attracted widespread praise for his technical quality, tactical awareness and maturity on the ball.
Comfortable dictating play from deep areas or driving forward through midfield, he possesses a profile that fits perfectly with Morocco’s ambitious long-term plans. His potential suggests he could become a key figure for both club and country.
Ayyoub Bouaddi.
Charles De Ketelaere
Unlike several of the emerging names on this list, De Ketelaere is already an established international. The versatile Belgian attacker has developed into one of his country’s most important creative and attacking players.
Standing 6ft 4in, he combines technical quality, vision and finishing ability while remaining capable of operating as a striker, attacking midfielder or second forward. As Belgium continues its transition to a new generation, De Ketelaere is well-positioned to become one of the team’s central figures.
