Four young talents Real Madrid should scout in the 2026 World Cup knockout stages | OneFootball

The World Cup has always been more than just an international tournament for Real Madrid, who have benefited from this event a lot in the past. 

Mesut Ozil announced himself to the world in South Africa in 2010 before moving to the Santiago Bernabeu. 

Sami Khedira followed a similar path after an outstanding campaign with Germany, while Angel Di Maria elevated his reputation during Argentina’s run in the same tournament.

Four years later, James Rodriguez lit up Brazil 2014 and turned a spectacular World Cup into a dream move to Madrid.

Now, as the 2026 FIFA World Cup progresses into the knockout rounds, Real Madrid scouts will undoubtedly be keeping a close eye on emerging stars capable of becoming part of the club’s long-term project. 

On that note, here are four players Real Madrid should scout during the tournament.

Gilberto Mora – Mexico

Race for Gilberto Mora could heat up. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

At only 17 years old, Gilberto Mora has already established himself as one of the breakout stars of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

The Mexican attacking midfielder is technically gifted, versatile and capable of deciding matches through creativity and goals, a profile that Real Madrid have pursued in recent years.

Mora has featured in two of Mexico’s three World Cup matches and has shown maturity far beyond his years. 

Comfortable operating between the lines, he combines intelligent movement with excellent decision-making in the final third.

Real Madrid have monitored the youngster in recent months, which makes his performances in the tournament even more relevant.

Admittedly, the club may not have an immediate need for another attacking midfielder following Bernardo Silva’s arrival, but Real Madrid have repeatedly demonstrated their willingness to secure elite prospects before their market value explodes.

A move followed by a strategic loan spell could be the ideal pathway for Mora, allowing him to continue his development while remaining under the umbrella of one of Europe’s biggest clubs.

Johan Manzambi – Switzerland

Johan Manzambi has been one of the revelations at the World Cup. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images)

Few players have enhanced their reputation at the tournament quite like Johan Manzambi.

The Freiburg attacker has emerged as Switzerland’s biggest attacking weapon, producing decisive moments when his team needed them most.

Manzambi scored once and provided an assist in Switzerland’s 2-1 victory over Canada, helping his nation secure qualification for the Round of 32. That performance also saw him register his third goal of the competition.

With three of Switzerland’s seven group-stage goals coming from the 20-year-old, his impact has been impossible to ignore.

Notably, at 20 years and 247 days old, Manzambi became the youngest player in World Cup history to score two or more goals in a match as a substitute, while also becoming the first Swiss player to achieve that feat.

Real Madrid are constantly searching for attacking players who can thrive under pressure, and Manzambi has shown exactly that throughout the tournament.

Rayan – Brazil

Rayan plays for Premier League club Bournemouth. (Photo by Wagner Meier/Getty Images)

Brazil have a long history of producing talents destined for the biggest clubs in Europe, and Rayan appears to be the latest player ready to make that leap.

The Bournemouth winger has enjoyed a breakthrough World Cup after being handed an opportunity following Raphinha’s injury and the 19-year-old immediately seized the moment.

Notably, he made history by becoming the youngest Brazilian since Pele in 1958 to register an assist to his name in a World Cup match after setting up Vinicius Jr. in Brazil’s opening goal against Scotland.

Since then, he has continued to impress with his direct running, confidence in one-on-one situations and willingness to take responsibility in high-pressure matches.

Brazil topped Group C and will now face Japan, with Rayan expected to remain a key figure in their plans.

Ibrahim Mbaye – Senegal

Ibrahim Mbaye has already made history at the World Cup. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Ibrahim Mbaye may not yet be a household name, but the PSG youngster is changing that perception.

The Senegal forward wrote his name into World Cup history after scoring against France at just 18 years and 143 days old, becoming the fourth-youngest goalscorer in the tournament’s history.

Although Senegal suffered a 1-3 defeat, Mbaye’s performance showcased exactly why many consider him one of the brightest prospects in African football.

Currently contracted to Paris Saint-Germain until 2028, regular opportunities under Luis Enrique have been difficult to secure, but that lack of playing time has done little to affect his confidence.

Mbaye is an explosive dribbler who thrives in tight spaces and possesses the fearlessness often associated with elite young forwards.

With Senegal preparing to take on Belgium in the Round of 32, another strong display could elevate his profile even further.