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With the World Cup fast approaching, excitement is building across the globe. To mark the occasion, Voetbalzone has highlighted a group of exceptional young footballers who could light up the tournament in the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Only Pelé and Kylian Mbappé have ever scored in a World Cup final as teenagers. Yet, many others — including Michael Owen and Lionel Messi — have dazzled on the global stage before turning twenty.

So, who might be the next to follow in their footsteps in North America? Voetbalzone has identified ten players from the NXGN 2026 list who are poised to make their mark this summer.

Lamine Yamal (Spain)

Lamine Yamal is not only the standout teenage talent at this year’s World Cup but could also emerge as one of the tournament’s most influential players. The FC Barcelona and Spain winger has been in scintillating form ever since his international debut at sixteen, when he scored a spectacular goal against Georgia. Since then, he has become a regular fixture in Luis de la Fuente’s squad.

The teenager demonstrated his composure on the big stage during EURO 2024, when La Roja triumphed in Germany. His memorable goal against France in the semi-final was a masterpiece, and his club performances since then have shown that he is ready for more. Yamal will aim to lift the World Cup on 13 July, just six days after turning nineteen.

Pau Cubarsí (Spain)

Yamal might not be the only teenage star representing Spain. Pau Cubarsí, who started four of Spain’s six World Cup qualifiers at the end of 2025, looks set to become a key part of De la Fuente’s plans after missing out on the EURO 2024 squad. The 19-year-old has been a mainstay in Hansi Flick’s Barcelona side for over two years, showcasing composure, impeccable passing, and strong defensive instincts. He could soon form a formidable central defensive partnership with Real Madrid’s Dean Huijsen.

Estêvão (Brazil)

Aside from Yamal, Brazil’s Estêvão is one of the most eagerly anticipated teenage debutants. The Chelsea winger has produced several magical moments during his first European season, earning him a regular place in Carlo Ancelotti’s Brazil squad by the end of 2025. Between September and November, Estêvão netted five goals in four starts, thriving amidst fierce competition in the Seleção attack. Although injuries kept him out of the March friendlies, the 18-year-old is expected to return fully fit — ready to shine for the five-time world champions this summer.

Kendry Páez (Ecuador)

From South America comes Ecuador’s Kendry Páez, already among the most experienced teenagers in terms of international appearances. The Chelsea midfielder, currently on loan at River Plate, has been tipped for stardom since making his international debut at sixteen in 2023. Weeks later, he became the youngest player ever to score in the CONMEBOL World Cup qualifiers. Although used mainly as a substitute since the 2024 Copa América, Páez remains a player with immense flair and creativity who could make a major impression in North America.

Ibrahim Mbaye (Senegal)

Many young players have had to make decisions about their international futures, and Ibrahim Mbaye is one of them. Having represented France up to the Under-20 level, the winger chose to play for Senegal in November. The 18-year-old scored on his second appearance, becoming Senegal’s youngest-ever goalscorer, and later played a vital role in their Africa Cup of Nations campaign, contributing a goal and two assists en route to the final. The Paris Saint-Germain forward will be eager to make his mark at his second major tournament in 2026.

Gilberto Mora (Mexico)

Mexico, one of the tournament hosts, has been under significant pressure to perform, particularly after their early exit in 2022. The nation’s hopes now rest on the shoulders of Gilberto Mora. The 17-year-old midfielder, often referred to as ‘The Mexican Pedri’, impressed during the knockout stages of the 2025 Gold Cup, playing a crucial role in Javier Aguirre’s title-winning side. Mora became the youngest player ever to win a major international tournament, surpassing Yamal’s record from the previous year. Despite being sidelined with an injury since January, optimism is high that he will be fit in time for Mexico’s opener on 11 June.

Luka Vuskovic (Croatia)

For Croatia, much of the attention will again be on veterans like 40-year-old Luka Modrić, who will be featuring in his fifth World Cup. Yet, emerging talents such as Luka Vuskovic are ready to take the spotlight. On loan from Tottenham Hotspur, the young centre-back excelled at Hamburger SV, attracting interest from Barcelona. He made his senior debut during the World Cup qualifiers and is known for his aerial strength and set-piece threat. With Josko Gvardiol battling injury, Vuskovic could start for Zlatko Dalic’s side this summer.

Lennart Karl (Germany)

Among the potential breakout stars is Germany’s Lennart Karl. The Bayern Munich attacking midfielder has enjoyed a stunning season, registering eight goals and six assists across all competitions despite fierce competition from Michael Olise and Luis Díaz. The 18-year-old made his Germany Under-21 debut in November and has shown the creativity and flair that the senior team has been missing since the European Championship.

Rodrigo Mora (Portugal)

Portugal’s Rodrigo Mora already boasts international silverware, having been part of the squad that won the 2025 UEFA Nations League. Though he did not play in the final and was omitted from later squads by Roberto Martínez, the FC Porto playmaker remains highly rated. After rejecting a lucrative move to Saudi Arabia, his form dipped slightly, but the 18-year-old remains one of Europe’s brightest prospects. Having been called up for Portugal’s friendlies against Mexico and the United States, a World Cup appearance seems likely.

Nathan De Cat (Belgium)

Just months ago, Nathan De Cat was playing at the Under-17 World Cup in Qatar. Now, the Belgian midfielder is on the verge of joining the senior national squad. The Anderlecht youngster, naturally a defensive midfielder, has impressed in a more advanced role as a number 10. His performances have caught the attention of clubs such as Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund. Should he make Rudi Garcia’s final World Cup squad, his market value is set to rise even further.