Lamine Yamal, Endrick, Arda Guler and more — meet the teenage wonderkids and young stars set to light up the 2026 World Cup.
Every World Cup crowns a new young hero, and 2026 has an extraordinary crop. From Spain's teenage maestro to Brazil's next great number nine, these are the wonderkids and young stars to watch — players who could turn a single moment into a career-defining legend. Follow them live on our live scores page as they make their mark.
The Headline Wonderkids
- Lamine Yamal (Spain) — The 18-year-old is already a global superstar. A Euro 2024 winner who plays with the composure of a veteran, Yamal cutting in from the right is the most exciting sight in the tournament. He could be the player of the World Cup, not just its best youngster.
- Endrick (Brazil) — Brazil's heir to the number nine shirt, blessed with electric movement and a ruthless finish. If he gets minutes off the bench or in the XI, expect highlight-reel goals.
- Arda Guler (Turkey) — The silky playmaker is the creative heartbeat of a Turkey side in Group D. His passing range and set-piece quality make him must-watch every time he touches the ball.
- Warren Zaire-Emery (France) — A midfield metronome beyond his years, already trusted in France's engine room. Composed, tireless and tactically mature.
The Next Wave
Beyond the headliners, a deeper group of young talents could break out on the biggest stage.
- Estevao (Brazil) — Another gem from the Brazilian production line, all flair, dribbling and fearless attacking intent.
- Pau Cubarsi (Spain) — A teenage centre-back with the calm and reading of a player a decade older; Spain's defence of the future.
- Kobbie Mainoo (England) — The composed England midfielder who glides past pressure and dictates tempo from deep.
- Mathys Tel (France) — A direct, powerful forward with the pace to punish tired knockout defences.
- Assan Ouedraogo and Germany's youngsters — Part of a new German generation pushing for minutes alongside Wirtz and Musiala.
Why Wonderkids Thrive at World Cups
History shows tournaments make stars overnight — think Pele in 1958 or Mbappe in 2018. There are good reasons young players shine:
- No fear: Teenagers play without the weight of expectation that can grip senior stars.
- Fresh legs: In a long, congested tournament, energy and pace become decisive in the latter stages.
- The unknown factor: Opponents have less footage and fewer scouting reports on a breakout youngster.
The 48-team format helps, too — more matches mean more chances for a young sub to seize a moment and force his way into the starting XI. Browse all teams to see which squads are leaning on youth, and check the schedule on fixtures to catch them in action.
Our One to Watch
If we had to bet on a single breakout, it is Lamine Yamal — but he is almost too good to call a wonderkid now. The true wildcard is Endrick: give him knockout minutes for Brazil and he could write himself into World Cup folklore.
FAQ
Who is the best young player at the 2026 World Cup?
Lamine Yamal of Spain is the standout young star, already a Euro 2024 winner and a genuine contender for player of the tournament.
Which wonderkid could be the breakout surprise?
Endrick of Brazil is our pick. If he earns minutes in the knockout rounds, his pace and finishing could produce a memorable moment.
How old do you have to be to be a wonderkid?
There is no official cut-off, but the term usually applies to standout players aged around 21 or younger making an impact at senior level.