💎 5️⃣ wonderkids set to shine at the World Cup | OneFootball

Ready to shock the football world?

At the 2026 World Cup, plenty of young players will be hoping to shine and announce themselves to the world.

So here are five wonderkids who could set the tournament alight. One of them might even get their hands on the award for the best young player of the tournament.

Gilberto Mora (Mexico)

The youngest player at the World Cup at 17 years and 240 days old on opening day, the Mexican playmaker is a huge talent already being chased by all of Europe’s biggest clubs.

He has already broken his country’s record by becoming the youngest player in its history to earn a call-up, and he already has seven appearances to his name, as well as having started the Gold Cup final.

That, along with the fact he already has more than 50 club appearances, shows just how highly rated he is.

This is Mora’s chance to announce himself to the whole world.

Ibrahim Mbaye (Senegal)

Already well known in France, the PSG wonderkid now has the chance to make a name for himself internationally this summer.

The 18-year-old Senegalese player is the fourth-youngest player taking part in this summer’s World Cup.

Earlier this year, he became the youngest goalscorer in his country’s history as he helped his side reach the final of a controversial Africa Cup of Nations.

Given the incredible level of competition for places in his position at PSG, opportunities there have naturally been harder to come by, but the fact he has still been given his chance is proof of his talent.

In an ambitious Senegal side, he could be one of the sensations of the summer.

Luka Vuskovic (Croatia)

Having already started to make a name for himself, Luka Vušković could use the 2026 World Cup to go to the next level.

At just 19, the Croatian defender, on loan at Hamburg from Tottenham, is regarded as one of Europe’s biggest prospects in his position.

He broke through very early in Hajduk Split colours, standing out for his exceptional maturity, his impact in duels and his ability to contribute in attack despite his young age.

In a Croatia side looking for renewal, he has the opportunity to establish himself as one of the revelations of the tournament.

Findlay Curtis (Scotland)

Scotland is a nation with a strong tradition of producing exciting wingers, but that profile has become rare over the past few decades.

However, in 19-year-old Curtis, they seem to have a player in the mould of their former greats: quick, exciting with the ball at his feet and always ready to trouble full-backs.

Impressive on loan at Kilmarnock from Rangers last season, he could be a real explosive option off the bench. He also opened his international account with a first goal in May’s friendly win over Curaçao.

Curtis could be his country’s secret weapon in the United States.

Johan Manzambi  (Switzerland)

Still little known outside the Bundesliga, despite being named Europa League breakthrough player of the season, Johan Manzambi could use the 2026 World Cup to explode into the public eye.

The 20-year-old Swiss midfielder has established himself this season as one of SC Freiburg’s biggest breakout stars.

Developed at Servette FC before moving to Germany, he quickly won admirers with his work rate, technical quality and ability to make the difference in both boxes.

His club performances opened the door to the Swiss national team, where he has already made his mark despite his young age.

In an ambitious Switzerland side, he has all the qualities to become one of the sensations of the tournament.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇫🇷 here.

📸 Franco Arland - 2026 Getty Images