The World Cup 2026 is set to showcase the very best talent in world football, and some of the legends of the past two decades will be lighting up our screens in June and July.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi, Portugal’s Cristiano Ronaldo, and Croatia’s Luka Modric have all been there, done that, and worn the t-shirt with over 60 seasons of top-class football between them. This will surely be the last World Cup for that terrific trio, and then we’ll welcome in the next generation of superstars.
There will be an array of young talent arriving in Canada, Mexico, and the USA in June, so let’s take a look at five of the up-and-coming world beaters who we expect to make a splash at the World Cup.
Lamine Yamal – Spain
Any list of top young players cannot ignore Barcelona’s 18-year-old superstar Lamine Yamal, who has already made a huge name for himself at the club and country level. He played a huge role in Barcelona’s treble-winning season in 2024-25, and he has already reached 100 games for the Blaugrana, scoring 29 goals. Yamal also came second in the 2025 Ballon d’Or. The flying winger also became the youngest player to play and score for Spain, at 16 years of age, and he helped La Roja to their 2024 European Championship win.
The latest World Cup 2026 betting odds pitch them as tournament favourites and, if Spain does lift the title, you can bet Lamal will be one of the reasons why.
Arda Guler – Turkey
Real Madrid’s Turkish star Arda Guler, at 21 years of age, is one of the most exciting players in the Primera Division and, like Lamal, he is one of the El Clasico stars expected to shine at the World Cup.
He put in an all-action display in Los Blancos’ Champions League quarter-final clash with Bayern Munich, scoring a brace and getting himself sent off. On a dangerous Turkish side, he will give opposition defences nightmares if he is on song.
Turkey had to negotiate a play-off to reach the finals, but don’t let that deceive you. The Crescent Stars, with the likes of Guler and Inter Milan ace Hakan Calhanoglu in their ranks, are sure to shine.
Nico O’Reilly – England
Another young player, alongside Yamal, who we featured in the SBOTOP ranking of likely World Cup winners, is Manchester City star, Nico O’Reilly. At 21 years of age, he has already become one of the Sky Blues’ most influential players and, able to play at left back or in midfield, he is a real asset to club and country. At 6’4”, O’Reilly is a powerful presence, scoring two headers, as City won the Carabao Cup final, beating Arsenal 2-0. And Manchester City are threatening to derail the Gunners’ title campaign too.
If they do, then O’Reilly will arrive at the World Cup with his confidence sky high, and that has to be good news for England fans.
Endrick – Brazil
An up-and-coming star we expect to be in amongst the World Cup 2026 highlights is Brazil’s striker Endrick, now at Lyon. The much admired 19-year-old signed for Real Madrid from Palmeiras in 2024 after winning back-to-back titles in his homeland. In a side which boasts Kylian Mbappe, Vinicius Junior, and Rodrygo in its attack, Endrick’s chances have been limited in Madrid, so a move to Lyon on loan in January was a smart move, as he looks to represent the Selecao in the summer.
He has already scored three goals in 14 appearances for Brazil. And while Endrick has plenty of time to realise his undoubted potential, this could be a big tournament for him, as the South American giants seek a sixth World Cup win.
Malik Tillman – USA
Bayer Leverkusen attacking midfielder Malik Tillman, at 23 years of age, is a player who will get the home fans in the USA out of their seats. Captained by Christian Pulisic, the Stars and Stripes are hopeful of putting on a good show, and Tillman is already one of their biggest stars.
A graduate of the Bayern Munich youth academy, he made his debut for the Bavarians in 2021 before making loan moves to Glasgow Rangers and PSV Eindhoven. He signed permanently for the Dutch side and won two league titles, scoring 21 goals in 54 appearances, and that performance earned him a move back to the Bundesliga with Bayer Leverkusen. Still a young player, Tillman has bags of experience, and he will win plenty of new fans this summer.
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