World Cup 2026: 5️⃣ rising stars that are set to light up the tournament | OneFootball

The World Cup is all about discovering new talents and watching global superstars form before your eyes.

And so with that in mind, here are five young talents to look out for this summer.

Lamine Yamal (Spain)

At just 18, Lamine Yamal already looks like one of the most dangerous attackers in world football. The Barcelona and Spain winger combines explosive dribbling, balance and creativity with the confidence of a veteran. Left-footed but operating from the right, he constantly cuts inside to create chances or shoot from distance, drawing inevitable comparisons with Lionel Messi.

Yamal enjoyed a sensational 2025/26 campaign with the Blaugrana, scoring 24 goals in all competitions as the Catalan side won LaLiga. The teen sensation is already used to lighting up international tournaments having done so at EURO 2024 and will no doubt make his mark on this World Cup.

Désiré Doué (France)

France never seem short of elite young talent and Désiré Doué may be the next superstar off the production line. The PSG attacker is incredibly versatile, capable of playing centrally, out wide or as an attacking midfielder. Doué thrives in one-versus-one situations thanks to his acceleration and fearless dribbling, while his technical ability allows him to play through tight spaces.

The 20-year-old took his form to another stratosphere this term, bagging 13 goals and 11 assists for his club side and forcing his way into Didier Deschamps' France starting XI. His unpredictability and direct style make him a perfect tournament player capable of changing games instantly from the bench or the start.

Kobbie Mainoo (England)

📸 Shaun Botterill - 2026 Getty Images

Kobbie Mainoo has rapidly developed into one of England’s most exciting young midfielders. Calm under pressure and technically outstanding, the Manchester United star plays with a maturity far beyond his years. Mainoo excels at progressing the ball through midfield, escaping tight spaces and dictating tempo with intelligent passing.

Unlike many young players, he combines creativity with defensive discipline, making him effective in both attacking and deeper roles. His performances during England’s run to the EURO 2024 final showed he can handle football’s biggest occasions. If England challenge for the World Cup in 2026, Mainoo could become one of the tournament’s defining midfielders.

Endrick (Brazil)

Brazilian football has enormous hopes for Endrick, the teenage striker at Real Madrid but starring on loan with Lyon this past season. A stocky but incredibly powerful forqard, Endrick combines explosive pace with aggressive finishing and relentless movement inside the box. He plays with the swagger traditionally associated with great Brazilian forwards and has already produced crucial goals for club and country.

Brazil are searching for their next iconic World Cup hero, and Endrick has the talent and personality to become exactly that on the biggest stage.

Kenan Yıldız (Türkiye)

One of the more leftfield names on this list, Kenan Yıldız could emerge as one of the breakout stars of the tournament. The Juventus forward is elegant in possession, technically gifted and capable of producing moments of brilliance from almost nothing. Comfortable playing as a winger, attacking midfielder or false nine, Yıldız glides past defenders and creates space effortlessly.

In a rather underwhelming Juventus side, Yıldız has emerged as the Bianconeri's attacking lynchpin and despite being only 21, the first name on their team sheet. If Türkiye qualify and surprise teams in 2026, Yıldız could become one of the World Cup’s most exciting discoveries.

📸 Julio Aguilar - 2026 Getty Images