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With just under a week remaining before the World Cup kicks off, teams across North America are putting the final touches on their preparations. The stage is set for a host of players to become national icons, including some of the most thrilling young talents in world football today.

Pele and Kylian Mbappe remain the only teenagers to have scored in a World Cup final, yet numerous others—from Michael Owen to Lionel Messi—have dazzled on the world stage before turning 20.

So, who might follow in their footsteps in the United States, Mexico, and Canada? Here are 12 NXGN-eligible players (born in 2007 or later) who could make headlines this summer.

Lamine Yamal (Spain)

Not only is Lamine Yamal expected to be the most exciting teenager at this World Cup, but the Barcelona and Spain winger could also be one of the tournament’s standout performers overall. Since marking his international debut with a sensational goal against Georgia at just 16, Yamal has been a mainstay in Luis de la Fuente’s squad.

His fearless display at Euro 2024, where Spain lifted the trophy in Germany, proved he thrives on the big stage. His stunning semi-final goal against France was a glimpse of his brilliance, and his club form suggests more of the same could follow.

The only concern is his hamstring injury from April, which is expected to rule him out of Spain’s opener and possibly beyond. Spain should comfortably navigate the group stage, but Yamal’s fitness and rhythm upon return could be crucial. If he finds top gear, he might celebrate his 19th birthday by lifting the World Cup trophy.

Pau Cubarsi (Spain)

Yamal won’t be Spain’s only teenage sensation. Pau Cubarsi, who featured in four of Spain’s World Cup qualifiers in late 2025, is cementing his place in De la Fuente’s plans after surprisingly missing out on the Euro 2024 squad.

The 19-year-old has been a fixture in Hansi Flick’s Barcelona side for over two years. His composure and distribution from defence are matched by his tactical intelligence. This World Cup could be the beginning of a glittering international career.

Kendry Paez (Ecuador)

Brazil’s Estevao is sidelined due to injury, but Ecuador’s Kendry Paez will represent the BlueCo network in North America. Currently on loan at River Plate from Chelsea, Paez is among the most experienced teenagers at international level heading into the tournament.

After making his senior debut at 16 in 2023, Paez became the youngest scorer in CONMEBOL World Cup qualifying weeks later. Although mostly used as a substitute since the 2024 Copa America, the 19-year-old’s creativity and flair could make him one of the tournament’s surprise packages.

Ibrahim Mbaye (Senegal)

Many young players today face choices regarding international allegiance, and Ibrahim Mbaye is one such case. Having represented France up to Under-20 level, Mbaye opted to play for Senegal in November.

The 18-year-old announced himself by scoring in his second appearance, becoming Senegal’s youngest-ever scorer, and helped them reach the Africa Cup of Nations final, contributing a goal and two assists. The Paris Saint-Germain forward will be eager to leave his mark at his second major tournament of 2026.

Ayyoub Bouaddi (Morocco)

Another 18-year-old, Ayyoub Bouaddi, switched from France’s youth teams to represent Morocco just before the tournament. With 10 France U21 caps, the Lille midfielder joins the Atlas Lions as they look to replicate their 2022 semi-final run.

Bouaddi’s performances in Ligue 1 and the Champions League have attracted interest from PSG and Arsenal, and Lille will hope a strong World Cup showing boosts his market value further.

Gilberto Mora (Mexico)

As co-hosts, Mexico face immense pressure to perform, especially after their 2022 group-stage exit. Much of that hope now rests on 17-year-old Gilberto Mora, the youngest player at this World Cup and already dubbed “The Mexican Pedri.”

Mora starred in Mexico’s Gold Cup triumph in 2025, becoming the youngest player to win a major international tournament—breaking a record previously held by Yamal. Having recovered from an early 2026 injury, the Club Tijuana prodigy is expected to start when Mexico open the World Cup on June 11.

Luka Vuskovic (Croatia)

While Croatia’s veterans like 40-year-old Luka Modric will command attention, the emergence of young talents such as Luka Vuskovic signals the next generation’s rise. The Tottenham loanee impressed at Hamburg, earning a place in the Bundesliga Team of the Season and catching Barcelona’s eye.

With strong aerial presence and composure in possession, the 19-year-old could start alongside Josko Gvardiol for Zlatko Dalic’s side this summer.

Lennart Karl (Germany)

Lennart Karl’s breakout season at Bayern Munich sparked wide calls for his inclusion in Germany’s squad. The 18-year-old attacking midfielder contributed 16 goals and assists combined across competitions, proving his readiness for the top level.

Handed his first Germany caps by Julian Nagelsmann in March, Karl impressed immediately, earning a spot in the final squad. With Serge Gnabry injured, Karl could line up alongside Jamal Musiala and Florian Wirtz behind the striker.

Kerim Alajbegovic (Bosnia and Herzegovina)

While veteran Edin Dzeko is Bosnia’s headline act, Kerim Alajbegovic is the rising star to watch. The 19-year-old played a decisive role in Bosnia’s qualification, assisting Dzeko’s equaliser against Wales before scoring the winning penalty in the shootout, and repeating his heroics against Italy in the playoff final.

After scoring 13 goals for Red Bull Salzburg last season, Bayer Leverkusen triggered their buy-back clause to bring him back for next season. The World Cup will be the perfect platform for him to showcase his talent.

Tyler Fletcher (Scotland)

Scotland’s preparations were disrupted by Billy Gilmour’s injury, but Tyler Fletcher is ready to seize his opportunity. The son of former Scotland and Manchester United star Darren Fletcher, Tyler made his senior debut for United this past season and was named reserve team player of the year.

Having represented England at youth level, he chose to commit to Scotland in 2024. The 19-year-old midfielder now finds himself on football’s biggest stage.

Lucas Herrington (Australia)

Lucas Herrington won’t have to travel far for the World Cup—he already plays in MLS for Colorado Rapids. The 18-year-old centre-back has been one of the standout young defenders in the league, playing every minute this season after moving from Brisbane Roar.

Herrington earned his first senior caps in March and could start against Turkiye on June 13. With Premier League scouts watching closely, a strong showing could fast-track a big move.

Hamza Abdelkarim (Egypt)

Egypt surprised many by including uncapped 18-year-old Hamza Abdelkarim in their final squad. The Al-Ahly striker, who became the club’s youngest-ever player in 2025, has just nine senior appearances but is already turning heads.

On loan at Barcelona’s U19s, he has scored five goals in seven league games, and the Catalan club is keen to sign him permanently. Wearing the No.9 shirt, Abdelkarim might just make his World Cup debut this summer and announce himself on the global stage.