Ibrahim Mbaye 6th, Yan Diomandé 3rd... The Top 10 young players to watch at the 2026 World Cup

Lamine Yamal, already featured on Seneweb's list of stars to watch at the World Cup, will not be included, but many young players will be highly anticipated and could reach a new level in North America. Here is the Top 10 list of young players to watch at the 2026 World Cup.

10. Gilberto Mora, 19 years old (Mexico)

He's the biggest Mexican talent since Giovani Dos Santos. Thrown into the deep end of the professional ranks at 15 by Tijuana, the 19-year-old midfielder now embodies the future of the Mexican national team. He played his first minutes at the World Cup in the 2-0 victory against South Africa and could gain even more prominence as the tournament progresses.

9. Johan Manzambi, 20 years old (Switzerland)

The Freiburg player has exploded onto the scene this season in the Bundesliga and Europa League, becoming a key player for the Swiss national team. Originally a central midfielder, his exceptional technical ability has led his coaches to play him much further forward. Deployed as a number 10, and even as a number 9 during preseason training with Switzerland, Manzambi could be the Nati's new weapon.

8. Christ Inao Oulai, 20 years old (Ivory Coast)

Ivory Coast's pleasant surprise at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations could be the new midfield maestro for the Elephants at the World Cup. Tenacious and combative, the Trabzonspor player is also a good leader and an excellent organizer.

7. Ibrahim Maza, 20 years old (Algeria)

With Riyad Mahrez's decline, Maza has emerged as Algeria's new technical leader, a symbol of a rejuvenating national team. Nicknamed "Mazadona," the diminutive attacking midfielder brilliantly orchestrated Leverkusen's play throughout the season and hopes to continue his momentum with the Fennecs after a successful 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

6. Ibrahim Mbaye, 18 years old (Senegal)

Having lost his edge with PSG at the end of the season, the Senegalese speedster will be able to unleash his full potential with the Lions at the World Cup. During his limited playing time with the Parisians and his substitute appearances at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Mbaye showed he can tear apart any defense. His fearlessness, his greatest quality, could be Senegal's lethal weapon off the bench... and perhaps even more.

5. Endrick, 19 years old (Brazil)

Once considered the greatest prospect in world football before his career stalled at Real Madrid, the 19-year-old has finally revived his career at Lyon. With 8 goals and 9 assists since his loan spell, the left-footed player is currently serving as Igor Thiago's backup. While Brazil is still searching for its attacking leader, Endrick could have a significant opportunity to prove himself.

4. Nico O'Reilly, 21 years old (England)

Whether in midfield or at full-back, O'Reilly has been excellent this season with Manchester City. Voted the club's best player, he joins the England squad quietly and hopes to contribute to Thomas Tuchel's system. While he is expected to play well at left-back, the 21-year-old will be closely watched. In both defense and midfield, he consistently influences the game with his runs, vision, and passing.

3. Yan Diomandé, 19 years old (Ivory Coast)

The explosive winger will be Ivory Coast's new asset. Voted Bundesliga Young Player of the Year, Diomandé has seen his stock skyrocket in the transfer market, attracting the biggest clubs in Europe. At the World Cup, all the scouts will have their eyes on him. If he confirms at the highest level all the promise he has already shown in the German league, his future could open up to the transfer of a lifetime.

2. Nico Paz, 21 (Argentina)

He is the face of Argentina's new generation. Named Serie A's best player, the 21-year-old led Como to a historic Champions League qualification with 13 goals and 7 assists. In Argentina, Nico Paz is being touted as Lionel Messi's successor. At the 2026 World Cup, he will be his invaluable lieutenant.

1. Kenan Yildiz, 21 years old (Türkiye)

He's a player like few others. Excellent with both feet, capable of exploits in tight spaces or with long-range shots, Kenan Yildiz will be one of the main attractions of the World Cup. Thanks to his partnership with Arda Güler, Turkey is starting to dream of another epic World Cup run, like the illustrious 2002 generation that was defeated by Brazil in the semi-finals. Unfortunately for the Turks, Yildiz arrives in the United States injured and is expected to miss the first match against Australia.