Young Players to Watch: World Cup Group B | OneFootball

Group B consists of Canada, Switzerland, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Qatar. Below are five young players to keep an eye on.

Kerim Alajbegović (Bosnia & Herzegovina)

At just 18 years old, Kerim Alajbegović is quickly becoming one of the breakout names connected to this World Cup. The Red Bull Salzburg winger already has experience at senior international level and continues to build momentum after an impressive club season that included eight goals in Austria.  

One of his biggest recent moments came during Bosnia’s playoff run, where he assisted Edin Džeko’s equalizer against Wales before scoring the winning penalty in the shootout. He also converted another penalty in the victory over Italy.  

Alajbegović brings directness, creativity, and confidence in one-versus-one situations, exactly the type of player capable of changing matches instantly.

Nidal Čelik (Bosnia & Herzegovina)

Defenders rarely receive major headlines heading into tournaments, but Nidal Čelik is generating serious attention. The 20-year-old centre-back completed a move to French side Lens and has already shown composure well beyond his age.  

Čelik made his Lens debut earlier this year and has continued progressing rapidly after captaining FK Sarajevo at a young age. His combination of athleticism, defensive awareness, and ball-playing ability fits the profile of the modern centre-back.

If Bosnia makes a deep run, Čelik could become one of the young defenders scouts and supporters remember from this tournament.

Johan Manzambi (Switzerland)

Johan Manzambi’s rise over the last year has been remarkable. The 20-year-old midfielder broke into SC Freiburg’s first team and has already become part of Switzerland’s senior setup.  

Recently, Manzambi scored in Freiburg’s Europa League semi-final victory over Braga, helping the German side reach the final.  

Technically gifted and calm under pressure, Manzambi excels at progressing the ball through midfield and controlling tempo. Switzerland has produced talented midfielders for years, and Manzambi looks capable of becoming the next major name from their system.

Alvyn Sanches (Switzerland)

Alvyn Sanches continues to emerge as one of Switzerland’s most exciting attacking players. The Young Boys midfielder-forward has enjoyed a strong season domestically, registering nine goals since joining the club.  

Sanches thrives in attacking spaces, combining technical skill with aggressive forward movement. His ability to create chances and attack defenders directly makes him particularly dangerous in tournament football where moments of individual brilliance often decide matches.

At 23 years old, this World Cup could become the tournament where he fully introduces himself to a global audience.

Nathan Saliba (Canada)

For Canada, Nathan Saliba represents part of the next generation pushing into the national team picture. The Montreal midfielder has steadily gained attention for his composure, work rate, and maturity in possession.

With Canada’s established stars attracting most of the attention, Saliba could benefit from entering the tournament with less pressure while still having opportunities to impact matches off the bench or in rotation.

As Canada builds toward a long-term future beyond 2026, performances from young players like Saliba may become just as important as results themselves.

Community discussions around the tournament have already highlighted Bosnia’s younger core — particularly Kerim Alajbegović — as potential breakout stars of the World Cup.n