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With the 2026 World Cup now just days away, teams are putting the finishing touches on their preparations before the grand kickoff across the United States, Mexico, and Canada this Thursday. This edition will be the biggest in history, featuring 48 teams, and consequently, a large number of players are set to make their first appearance on football’s grandest stage.

Among these debutants are some of the brightest names in world football. While a few are making their bow due to youth, others have patiently waited years for this opportunity to represent their nations in the sport’s most prestigious tournament.

So, who are the newcomers everyone is eager to watch? Here’s our pick of the top 10 debutants to look out for:

Erling Haaland (Norway)

Norway has not featured in a World Cup since 1998, but with a squad brimming with talent, they are being billed as potential dark horses. The likes of Martin Odegaard, Antonio Nusa, and Alexander Sorloth will all make their World Cup debuts, but all eyes will inevitably be on Erling Haaland.

The Manchester City striker boasts an astonishing international record of 55 goals in 49 appearances. This summer will mark not only Haaland’s first World Cup but also his first major international tournament. Norway’s group includes Iraq, Senegal, and France, and opposition defenders will surely be wary of Haaland’s blistering pace and clinical finishing.

Can Haaland replicate his usual dominance on the global stage? Few would bet against him.

Lamine Yamal (Spain)

Spain’s latest prodigy, Lamine Yamal, is already making waves worldwide. The Barcelona sensation, who made his debut at just 15, dazzles with his quick feet and creative flair.

Yamal’s breakthrough came at Euro 2024, where he scored a stunning goal against France in the semi-finals and provided four assists as Spain went on to lift the trophy. Should he repeat such form at the World Cup, he could well establish himself as one of the world’s best players.

Still only 18, Yamal has already gathered immense experience at the top level. The challenge now is to sustain his performance through the demands of a long tournament, especially after a season affected by injuries.

Florian Wirtz (Germany)

Florian Wirtz made headlines last summer when he joined Liverpool in a blockbuster transfer worth over £116 million. Though his debut Premier League season was challenging, he will be eager to make a stronger impression at his first World Cup, having missed the 2022 edition due to a torn ACL.

Known for his elegant dribbling and creativity, Wirtz scored twice at Euro 2024 and is now Germany’s chief playmaker under coach Julian Nagelsmann. Despite losing fellow youngster Lennart Karl to injury just before the tournament, Wirtz will partner Jamal Musiala as they look to unlock defences this summer.

Luis Diaz (Colombia)

After standout seasons with Liverpool and Bayern Munich, Luis Diaz has reached the peak of his career. His partnership with Harry Kane and Michael Olise at Bayern produced one of Europe’s most dangerous attacking trios last season.

Remarkably, at 29, this will be Diaz’s first World Cup. Colombia’s absence in 2022 and his early career stage during 2018 kept him away from the tournament. Since his debut in 2018, he has earned over 70 caps, and coming off a season with 26 goals and 19 assists for Bayern, Diaz could be key to Colombia’s hopes of a deep run.

Michael Olise (France)

Diaz’s Bayern teammate Michael Olise is also gearing up for his first World Cup after a remarkable season that placed him among Ballon d’Or contenders. The French winger netted 25 goals and provided 28 assists, cementing his place in Didier Deschamps’ squad, even ahead of Paris Saint-Germain’s Desire Doue.

From his days at Crystal Palace to becoming a star at Bayern, Olise has defied expectations. Now, he has the chance to establish himself as one of the world’s elite if he delivers on the biggest stage.

Joao Neves (Portugal)

Joao Neves has become one of Europe’s most complete midfielders since joining PSG in 2024. At just 21, he’s already a two-time Champions League winner, sharing success with compatriots Vitinha, Nuno Mendes, and Goncalo Ramos.

Though he has had to wait for his opportunity, sometimes even filling in at right-back, Neves is now a vital part of Roberto Martinez’s Portugal setup. This World Cup could be the first of many for the former Benfica star.

Nico Paz (Argentina)

Nico Paz has blossomed into one of Europe’s most promising playmakers under Cesc Fabregas at Como. After guiding them to a fourth-place Serie A finish and Champions League qualification, he was named Italy’s best midfielder. Real Madrid are expected to re-sign him this summer through a buy-back clause.

Versatile and physically strong, Paz can operate both as a No.10 and a central midfielder. Argentina, the reigning champions, will look to him to support Lionel Messi as they aim for back-to-back World Cup titles—something never achieved in their history.

Folarin Balogun (United States)

The United States, co-hosting the tournament, will have several players returning from 2022, but one crucial addition is striker Folarin Balogun. The former Arsenal forward offers pace, two-footed finishing, and composure in front of goal.

After a stellar season with Monaco, where he scored 19 goals in all competitions—including eight consecutive Ligue 1 matches with goals—Balogun will lead the line for the U.S. Having switched allegiance from England, he proved his talent at the 2024 Copa America, scoring twice in three matches. Now, he will be central to Mauricio Pochettino’s ambitions of a deep knockout run.

Arda Guler (Turkiye)

Arda Guler’s performances at Euro 2024 announced him as one of Europe’s brightest young stars. His brilliant goal against Georgia and assists against Austria and the Netherlands helped Turkiye reach the quarter-finals. Now, he’s ready to shine on the World Cup stage.

Guler enjoyed a breakthrough season with Real Madrid, forming a productive partnership with Kylian Mbappe, registering 16 assists and seven goals. Alongside Juventus forward Kenan Yildiz, Guler will spearhead Turkiye’s attack this summer as they aim to build a lasting World Cup legacy.

Yan Diomande (Ivory Coast)

At just 19, Yan Diomande of RB Leipzig has become one of Europe’s most exciting wingers, attracting interest from Liverpool and PSG. His explosive pace and dribbling make him a nightmare for defenders.

After impressing at the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year, Diomande will now look to make his mark on the World Cup. With his potential and confidence, he could be one of the breakout stars of the tournament.