Following a breakout season with their respective clubs, many talented young stars have officially secured their spots in the 2026 World Cup.
1. Lamine Yamal (18 years old – Spain)
https://www.thesun.co.uk/
At the top of this list is undoubtedly star player Lamine Yamar. Having just turned 18, Yamar has become an indispensable player for both Barcelona and the Spanish national team.
Despite his season being somewhat interrupted by injury, Yamal’s performance continued to impress everyone.
Having appeared in 45 matches for Barcelona, Yamal recorded 24 goals and 18 assists. A key player in Spain’s Euro 2024 victory, this striker, born in 2007, remains the biggest hope for Spain’s attack at the 2026 World Cup.
2. Pau Cubarsí (19 years old – Spain)
https://www.nytimes.com/
In addition to Yamal, Spain boasts another outstanding young defender named Pau Cubarsí.
Born in 2007, this center back made 48 appearances for Barcelona last season at just 19 years old—an astonishing figure for such a young defender.
Cubarsí’s composure and excellent ability to read the game give him a strong chance of securing a starting spot on the Spanish national team for this tournament.
3. Kobbie Mainoo (21 years old – England)
https://www.theguardian.com/
After a turbulent start to the season on the Manchester United bench, Kobbie Mainoo has undergone a remarkable transformation under interim manager Michael Carrick.
Playing alongside experienced veterans Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes, the 21-year-old midfielder had a breakthrough season and helped Manchester United secure a strong third-place finish in the Premier League.
It was precisely this outstanding performance that led manager Thomas Tuchel to immediately select Mainoo for England’s World Cup squad.
4. Lennart Karl (18 years old – Germany)
https://www.bundesliga.com/
Lennart Karl is a player who is currently thrilling German soccer fans like never before. The 18-year-old Bayern Munich star, who plays primarily as an attacking midfielder and right winger, combines a skillful playing style with incredible speed.
Having recorded 9 goals and 8 assists for Bayern Munich this season, Lennart Karl is expected to be a game-changer for the German national team’s coaching staff at this year’s World Cup.
5. Endrick (19 years old – Brazil)
https://inews.co.uk/
The decision to join Olympique Lyonnais on loan proved instrumental in helping Endrick have a successful season.
The 19-year-old recorded 8 goals and 9 assists in 21 appearances in France, proving himself to be one of the most promising strikers in world soccer.
Endrick is highly regarded not only for his sharp play inside the penalty area but also for his ability to link up with teammates and his contribution to the team’s overall play.
Thanks to this outstanding performance, striker Endrick was selected for the Brazilian national team for the 2026 World Cup.
6. Warren Zaire-Emery (20 years old – France)
https://m.allfootballapp.com/
In recent years, Zaire-Emery has consistently been ranked among the world’s most promising midfielders.
Although he wasn’t always a starter at PSG due to the presence of players like Vitinha, João Neves, and Fabián Ruiz, the 2006-born player knew exactly how to make a difference whenever given the chance.
Zaire-Emery’s unpredictable playing style will be an invaluable asset for the French national team at the 2026 World Cup.
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