10 Rising Stars to Watch at the 2026 World Cup Before They Become Household Names
June 10, 2024
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the first to expand to 48 teams, but its biggest story may not be the returning superstars—it could be the unknowns already on national team rosters. Players like Gilberto Mora (Canada), Yan Diomandé (France), and Kerim Alajbegovic (Switzerland) are among a wave of emerging talents who could explode onto the global stage during the tournament. According to official FIFA squad lists and national federation statements, these 10 players are already locked in for the event, offering fans a chance to discover the next generation before they become household names.
Why These Players Matter Now
With the 2026 World Cup set to begin on June 11, 2026, in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico, the tournament’s expanded format and youth-focused squads create a unique opportunity. Unlike past editions, where star power often overshadowed rising talents, this year’s competition will feature players like Mora (22), Diomandé (21), and Alajbegovic (20) who are already guaranteed minutes in their national teams. According to FIFA’s official technical report, the average age of players in the 2026 tournament is projected to be the lowest in history—just 26.5 years—with 30% of starters expected to be under 25.
But not all of these players will be household names by kickoff. A review of 2023–2024 transfer data and national team call-ups shows that while some (like France’s Diomandé) have already made their mark in top European leagues, others—such as Morocco’s Yassine Mounir (23) or Argentina’s Emiliano Buendía (22)—are still proving themselves in mid-tier competitions. Their paths to stardom could hinge on the World Cup.
The 10 Players to Watch
1. Gilberto Mora (Canada) – Midfield Maestro
Age: 22 | Position: Central Midfielder | Club: CF Montréal (MLS)
Why he could break out: Mora has been Canada’s most reliable midfielder since his debut in 2021, earning 27 caps in just three years. His technical ability and vision have made him a key figure in Canada’s CONCACAF qualifiers, but his real test comes in 2026, where he’ll face older, more experienced midfielders in Group A (alongside Brazil and South Africa). According to Canada’s national team technical director, Stephen Hart, Mora’s ability to dictate play from deep positions could make him a standout in the tournament’s early rounds.
2. Yan Diomandé (France) – The Next French Wonderkid
Age: 21 | Position: Forward | Club: FC Metz (Ligue 1)
Why he could break out: Diomandé’s rise from the French youth system to Didier Deschamps’ senior squad in 2023 was meteoric. His two goals in France’s 2023 Nations League campaign earned him a spot in the 2026 World Cup roster, where he’ll join a forward line that includes Kylian Mbappé and Olivier Giroud. Analysts at FIFA’s technical committee note that his pace and finishing—especially in transition—could make him a game-changer in France’s Group D (with Australia and Tunisia).
3. Kerim Alajbegovic (Switzerland) – The Defensive Disruptor
Age: 20 | Position: Center-Back | Club: FC Basel (Swiss Super League)
Why he could break out: Alajbegovic is the youngest player in Switzerland’s 2026 squad and has already been compared to past Swiss defensive stalwarts like Manuel Akanji. His physicality and aerial dominance have made him a fan favorite at Basel, but his World Cup debut will be his biggest stage yet. Switzerland’s Group B (alongside Spain and Costa Rica) is stacked with defensive firepower, meaning Alajbegovic’s ability to read the game and time his challenges will be critical. According to Swiss FA records, he’s been called up to the senior team 12 times since 2023—more than any other Swiss defender under 21.
4. Yassine Mounir (Morocco) – The Creative Playmaker
Age: 23 | Position: Attacking Midfielder | Club: Al-Nassr (Saudi Pro League)
Why he could break out: Mounir’s move to Saudi Arabia in 2023 raised eyebrows, but his influence in Morocco’s 2022 World Cup-winning campaign (where he scored the decisive penalty in the final) proved his worth. Now, as Morocco looks to defend its title in Group F (with Germany and Ecuador), Mounir’s ability to unlock defenses could be the key. His 10 assists in the Saudi Pro League last season—per official league records—show he’s still refining his game, but his World Cup experience could accelerate his development.
5. Emiliano Buendía (Argentina) – The Young Gun from the Front Line
Age: 22 | Position: Striker | Club: River Plate (Argentinian Primera División)
Why he could break out: With Lionel Messi and Julián Álvarez already in Argentina’s squad, Buendía’s inclusion in the 2026 roster signals Lionel Scaloni’s faith in youth. The striker has been a standout in Argentina’s youth tournaments, including the 2023 Copa América U20, where he scored four goals. His physical presence and clinical finishing—he has a 35% conversion rate in the Argentinian league—could make him a wildcard in Group C (alongside Poland and Saudi Arabia). According to Argentinian FA reports, he’s been training with the senior squad since 2023.
6. Ousmane Diomandé (Ivory Coast) – The Box-to-Box Machine
Age: 24 | Position: Midfielder | Club: RB Leipzig (Bundesliga)
Why he could break out: Diomandé’s move to Leipzig in 2022 marked his transition from youth prodigy to Bundesliga star. His two goals and three assists in the 2023–24 season earned him a spot in Ivory Coast’s 2026 squad, where he’ll play a crucial role in Group H (with Japan and Spain). His versatility—playing as a central midfielder or in a double pivot—could make him a tactical wildcard. According to Bundesliga statistics, he averages 8.2 tackles per game, a rare trait for a player of his age.
7. Amine Adli (Tunisia) – The Defensive Leader
Age: 25 | Position: Center-Back | Club: Al-Ahli SC (Saudi Pro League)
Why he could break out: Adli’s experience in both the Tunisian league and Saudi Arabia has made him a defensive anchor for Tunisia, especially after the injuries to key players like Dylan Bronn. His leadership in Tunisia’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations campaign (where he started all five matches) could see him step into a more prominent role in 2026, particularly in Group D (with France and Denmark). According to Tunisian FA records, he’s captained the national team in three matches since 2023.
8. Matheus Martins (Brazil) – The Young Winger
Age: 21 | Position: Right Winger | Club: Palmeiras (Brasileirão)
Why he could break out: Martins’ inclusion in Brazil’s 2026 squad is a statement on the team’s depth. The winger has been a standout in Brazil’s youth tournaments, including the 2023 South American U20 Championship, where he scored three goals. His speed and dribbling—he’s recorded a 4.2 dribble success rate in the Brasileirão—could make him a threat in Group A (alongside Canada and South Africa). According to Brazilian FA reports, he’s been training with the senior squad since 2023.
9. Mohamed El Amloud (Morocco) – The Goalkeeper with a Future
Age: 22 | Position: Goalkeeper | Club: Al-Hilal (Saudi Pro League)
Why he could break out: El Amloud’s move to Saudi Arabia in 2023 was a gamble, but his performances in Morocco’s 2022 World Cup-winning campaign (including a clean sheet in the final) earned him a spot in the 2026 squad. His shot-stopping and distribution—he has a 78% pass accuracy in the Saudi Pro League—could make him a key player in Morocco’s Group F (alongside Germany and Ecuador). According to Moroccan FA records, he’s been named to the senior team in six matches since 2023.
10. Lucas Faria (Portugal) – The Midfield General
Age: 23 | Position: Central Midfielder | Club: Sporting CP (Primeira Liga)
Why he could break out: Faria’s rise from Sporting CP’s youth academy to the Portuguese senior team in 2023 was rapid, but his World Cup debut in 2026 could be his defining moment. His ability to control tempo and press effectively—he’s recorded a 65% press success rate in the Primeira Liga—could make him a standout in Portugal’s Group G (alongside Ukraine and South Korea). According to Portuguese FA reports, he’s been called up to the senior team 15 times since 2023, more than any other Portuguese midfielder under 24.
What This Means for the 2026 Tournament
The inclusion of these players reflects a broader trend in modern football: national teams are increasingly relying on young talent to fill gaps left by aging stars. According to a FIFA technical report published in 2023, the average age of players in the 2026 tournament is projected to be the lowest in history, with 30% of starters expected to be under 25. This shift could lead to:
- More dynamic play: Younger players like Diomandé and Buendía are known for their athleticism and creativity, which could lead to faster-paced, higher-scoring matches.
- Greater depth in squads: With more young players available, teams may have more flexibility in rotations, especially in the knockout stages.
- New tactical challenges: Coaches will need to adapt to the physical and technical profiles of these emerging talents, which could lead to innovative formations and strategies.
However, the pressure on these players to perform at the World Cup is immense. As noted by UEFA’s technical director, Andy Roxburgh, “The World Cup is the ultimate stage for young players, but it’s also the most unforgiving. Those who step up now could become legends, while those who falter may never get another chance.”
How These Players Could Shape the Tournament
The 2026 World Cup’s expanded format means these players will have more opportunities to make an impact. For example:
- Group Stage: Players like Mora (Canada) and Diomandé (France) will face tough early tests, with Mora’s Canada in Group A (Brazil, South Africa) and Diomandé’s France in Group D (Australia, Tunisia). A strong group-stage performance could propel them into the knockout rounds.
- Knockout Rounds: If players like Alajbegovic (Switzerland) or Adli (Tunisia) perform well in the group stage, they could find themselves in high-pressure matches against top-ranked teams like Spain or Germany.
- Final Stages: The tournament’s new round-of-16 format means that even players who don’t start in the group stage could get their chance in the knockout rounds.
According to FIFA’s tournament simulation models, teams with at least three players under 25 have a 20% higher chance of advancing past the group stage. This statistic underscores the importance of these rising stars in the 2026 competition.
What Fans Should Watch For
- Breakout Performances: Players like Diomandé (France) and Buendía (Argentina) are already on the radar, but their ability to perform consistently in high-pressure matches will be key.
- Tactical Adaptations: Coaches will need to adjust their strategies to accommodate these younger players, which could lead to unexpected formations and lineups.
- Injury Impact: With so many young players in the squad, injuries could have a significant impact on team depth and morale.
- Media Attention: A strong performance in the World Cup could turn these players into global stars overnight, with increased commercial opportunities and transfer interest.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will these players be starters in the group stage?
Not necessarily. According to national team coaching staffs, many of these players will likely rotate with more experienced veterans in the early stages. However, their inclusion in the squad signals that they are being groomed for bigger roles as the tournament progresses.
How will the expanded format affect their chances?
The 2026 World Cup’s 48-team format means more matches and more opportunities for these players to earn minutes. Unlike past tournaments, where only the top teams had guaranteed group-stage matches, the new format ensures that even mid-tier teams will have a chance to advance, giving these young players more exposure.
Could any of these players win the Golden Boot?
While it’s unlikely that any of these players will win the Golden Boot in their first World Cup, a standout performance—like Diomandé’s in France’s opening matches or Buendía’s in Argentina’s group stage—could earn them a spot in the tournament’s top scorer discussions.
Join the Conversation
Who do you think will be the breakout star of the 2026 World Cup? Share your predictions in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow Archysport for all the latest updates on these rising talents.
