10 wonderkids who could light up the 2026 World Cup, including Man Utd and Newcastle targets | OneFootball

The World Cup regularly forges new stars and 2026 should be no different. Here are 10 youngsters who could break through, including several already on Manchester United and Newcastle shortlists.

As reported by yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, Mexico’s Gilberto Mora, 17, the tournament’s youngest, could feature in the opener. Türkiye playmaker Can Uzun arrives in form and could make an impact even if used from the bench.

Ivory Coast midfielder Christ Inao Oulaï, a relentless ball-winner at Trabzonspor, has been linked with top Premier League clubs but has indicated a preference for PSG. Belgium’s Joaquin Seys, an adventurous Club Brugge full-back, is attracting Manchester United, Porto and Newcastle, and offers versatility on either flank.

Chelsea-owned Kendry Páez, 19, remains a supreme dribbler for Ecuador and needs a consistent platform after mixed loans. Algeria’s Ibrahim Maza shone after a £10m move to Bayer Leverkusen, then dipped, and could be key if he recaptures AFCON form.

Ghana’s Caleb Yirenkyi, a Nordsjælland midfielder who may start at right-back, marries tireless pressing with neat passing and could test England’s Nico O’Reilly and Anthony Gordon. Croatia centre-back Luka Vušković, Tottenham-owned and superb at Hamburg, dominates aerially and carries a serious set-piece threat.

Bosnia and Herzegovina winger Kerim Alajbegović, 18, lit up Salzburg with nine goals and is returning to Leverkusen. Senegal’s Ibrahim Mbaye, 18, made 29 PSG appearances, was an unused Champions League final sub, and brings blistering pace if inconsistent decision-making.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk