World Cup 2026 ones to watch: Eight young talents to keep an eye on | OneFootball

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup set to start this evening, it's time to get excited. We all know the mega stars on show this summer, but what about those who could become household names? We've profiled eight players for fans to keep an eye on this summer.

Gilberto Mora - Mexico

The youngest player at the 2026 World Cup, Mora made headlines when he became the youngest goalscorer in Liga MX history at age 15.

A record-breaking senior debut with Mexico followed soon after, and the teenager has already won eight caps. A gifted creative midfielder, a move to Europe beckons for the diminutive 17-year-old, who will hope to make an impression with the co-hosts.

Ricardo Pepi - USA

Having frustratingly seen aPremier League move collapse in January, Ricardo Pepi will be keen to prove he's ready for the top level.

The US international has scored prolifically for PSV Eindhoven in the Eredivisie, with his minute-per-goal ratio better than club legends including Romario, Ronaldo, Ruud van Nistelrooy, and Mateja Kezman.

Puzzlingly, Pepi has not always commanded a first-choice role, despite a record of 34 goals in 22 league starts across the last three seasons. He knows where the net is.

Nico Paz - Argentina

Argentina will again rely heavily on Lionel Messi in the icon's farewell tournament, but Nico Paz is a talent who can help ease that burden.

The 21-year-old was outstanding as Como secured Champions League qualification under Cesc Fabregas, scoring 12 times in Serie A.

A left-footed number ten, inevitable comparisons with Messi have been made, but Paz is different in style. That said, he's capable of creating, getting goals, and making an impact. All attributes required for any would-be successor to Argentina's greatest.

Yan Diomande - Ivory Coast

A name on the lips of almost every elite club in Europe right now,Yan Diomande has been the Bundesliga's breakout star in 2025/26. Signed from relegated Spanish side Leganes last summer, Diomande has exploded in Germany.

He scored 12 goals and added eight assists, while lighting up statistical metrics for ball-carrying and take-ons. Only Lamine Yamal provided more goals and assists among teenagers in Europe's top five leagues last season. That's the company that Diomande is keeping.

Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain are primed for a transfer tug-of-war for the 19-year-old this summer.

Bazoumana Toure - Ivory Coast

With the spotlight firmly on the aforementioned Diomande, Bazoumana Toure has a chance to fly under the radar for Ivory Coast - and fly he can.

The winger was electric for Hoffenheim this season, scoring five goals and providing nine assists. 'Bazoumania' has taken over the German side, with the 20-year-old part of an Ivorian team that could take teams apart on the counter.

Kerim Alajbegović - Bosnia & Herzegovina

Bosnia & Herzegovina make only their second World Cup appearance this summer, with veteran forward Edin Dzeko leading the side. The 40-year-old is the headline name in the squad, but keep an eye on the next generation.

Central defender Tarik Muharemović has impressed in Serie A, while teenager Kerim Alajbegović is perhaps the most exciting prospect in the group. The 18-year-old was born in Germany but has opted to represent Bosnia, where he's already won 10 senior caps.

After scoring 13 goals in 44 games for Red Bull Salzburg in 2025/26, he'll want to make an impression this summer, before a return to former club Bayer Leverkusen.

Luka Vuskovic - Croatia

The 19-year-old was a titanic presence on loan at Hamburg from Tottenham last season, where the Croatian centre-back scored six goals and earned inclusion in theBundesliga Team of the Season.

Vuskovic has added strength to a Croatian team that has reached at least the semi-finals in the last two World Cups. He's expected to return to Spurs this summer before a decision is made on the next phase of his rapid development.

Ayyoub Bouaddi - Morocco

Morocco have secured a coup in persuading Ayyoub Bouaddi to represent them ahead of France.

The precociously gifted midfielder has made almost a century of appearances for Lille, despite only turning 18 in October.

A deep-lying midfielder with maturity far beyond his years, Bouaddi looks destined for a big move in the near future. He's a fantastic addition to an Atlas Lions group keen to build on their 2022 semi-final run and AFCON success.