The Gems to Watch in the FIFA U-20 World Cup | OneFootball

We’ve reached the quarterfinals of the FIFA U-20 World Cup in Chile, and it has delivered a handful of surprises and standout performances. Here’s a look at players who are turning heads and have the making of future stars in the sport.

The FIFA U-20 World Cup has been full of excitement, with the United States emerging as one of the biggest surprises. A stunning 3-0 victory over France in their second group stage game was followed by another 3-0 win against Italy in the round of 16, and the U.S. is set to square off against Morocco in the quarters.

Other standouts include Argentina, who look dominant and composed, showcasing top prospects across the pitch. Mexico also fields a talented U-20 generation, including players like Elias Montiel and Obed Vargas.

Meanwhile, Brazil has been a major disappointment, losing two matches and exiting in the group stage, adding another blow to the country’s soccer pride.

The FIFA U-20 World Cup has historically been a stage where young players announce themselves to the world. The list of past legends who have shined here is long and impressive, featuring names like Diego Maradona, Lionel Messi, Paul Pogba, Juan Román Riquelme, James Rodríguez, Neymar Jr., Andrea Pirlo, Ronaldinho, Javier “Chicharito” Hernández, Toni Kroos, and more.

Here are some of the standout players to watch in Chile — emerging talents who could be the stars of the future.

Gilberto Mora, México

The 16-year-old Tijuana attacking midfielder is already turning heads and could become the next big star for Mexican soccer. Capable of playing both centrally and on the wings, Mora is known for his skill, vision, and composure on the ball. Quick, confident, and creative, he beats defenders with ease and links play with decision-making rarely seen at his age.

Mora’s close control and agility make him dangerous in one-on-one situations, while his intelligence allows him to find space and create chances. Mora, who has already made his debut for the senior team, has scored three goals so far in the tournament and is seen as a potential European prospect, with clubs like Real Madrid reportedly interested.

Alejo Sarco, Argentina

Alejo Sarco, a 19-year-old forward from Vélez Sarsfield now at Bayer Leverkusen, has four goals through four matches in the tournament. Quick, technical, and naturally left-footed, Sarco combines sharp movement with calm finishing. He reads spaces well, times his runs intelligently, and is comfortable taking on defenders or dropping deeper to link play.

While still adapting to European football, Sarco’s confidence, work rate, and attacking instincts mark him as one of South America’s rising stars.

Mattia Liberali, Italy

The AC Milan product now at Catanzaro in Serie B, Mattia Liberali is a highly technical winger and attacking midfielder known for his creativity, quick feet, and clever movement.

Liberali excels at changing direction and tempo, breaking defensive lines with sharp runs and precise passes. Slight physically, he is working on building strength and consistency to handle senior-level intensity.

Pablo García, Spain

Eighteen-year-old winger Pablo García is a promising talent for Real Betis. Strong for his size with a sharp left foot, he has a natural instinct for scoring and knows how to find space in the box.

García’s game is based on timing, awareness, and clean execution rather than flair, yet he is highly effective. He has already scored twice in the U-20 World Cup and is gaining more minutes in La Liga.

Joshua Wynder, United States

Photo by Chris Coduto/Getty Images

Joshua Wynder, a young U.S. center-back developing at Benfica, is tall, athletic, and composed on the ball. Confident in aerial duels and comfortable playing out from the back, he reads the game well and steps into midfield to start attacks.

Still early in his career, Wynder needs more senior-level experience and continued development of positioning and strength to handle top forwards.

Lucas Michal, France

Lucas Michal is a 20-year-old French winger for AS Monaco and a key player for France’s U-20 team. Known for his pace, technical skill, and versatility, he combines physical presence with the ability to beat defenders and deliver dangerous crosses.

Though still gaining experience at the top level, Michal has shown consistency and maturity, marking him as a promising talent for both Monaco and France.

Hisatsugu Ishii, Japan

Twenty-year-old Japanese forward Hisatsugu Ishii plays for Shonan Bellmare and Japan’s U-20 team. Agile and technically skilled, he thrives in tight spaces and can play across multiple attacking positions.

Known for sharp movement and creativity, Ishii has already scored twice in the tournament and is considered a promising prospect for club and country.

Álvaro Montoro, Argentina

Eighteen-year-old Álvaro Montoro, playing for Botafogo in Brazil, is an attacking midfielder with excellent dribbling, close control, and agility. He can operate centrally or on the wing and has already made an impact with goals and assists at club level. Montoro has represented Argentina’s U-17 and U-20 teams and is regarded as one of the nation’s brightest young talents.

Jordan Barrera, Colombia

Jordan Barrera, 19, is an attacking midfielder for Botafogo and Colombia’s U-20 team. A right-footed player who can operate on the left, he is known for dribbling, creativity, and linking play in tight spaces.

Barrera has already shown his talent in youth international tournaments and is quickly establishing himself as one of Colombia’s top young attacking prospects.

Enso González, Paraguay

Enso González is a 20-year-old Paraguayan winger who plays for Wolverhampton Wanderers. Agile and quick, he excels at dribbling, taking on defenders, and delivering precise crosses from the left wing, though he can also play across the attacking midfield.

González has already made an impact at the U-20 World Cup, scoring a key goal in Paraguay’s win over Panama, and he continues to show composure and intelligence on the ball. With his technical skill, versatility, and attacking instincts, he is one of Paraguay’s brightest young talents with the potential to shine in Europe and for the national team.