The 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico will feature a record 1,248 athletes, and nearly 900 of them will be making their tournament debut. BBC Sport’s TV and radio pundits have singled out twenty youngsters – none of whom ply their trade in the Premier League or Scottish Premiership – who could become the next big stories of the summer.

1. Yan Diomande (Ivory Coast)

Age: 19 | Position: Winger | Club: RB Leipzig

The Leipzig winger burst onto the scene after arriving from Spanish side Leganés for €20 million in July 2025. He notched 12 goals and nine assists in 33 Bundesliga matches, earning the rookie‑of‑the‑season award and helping his side qualify for the Champions League. Despite rumors linking him with Liverpool, Manchester City, Real Madrid, PSG and Bayern, Leipzig have set a price tag north of €130 million and are reluctant to sell.

Having lived in Florida from age 15, Diomande should feel at home in the North‑American heat. After missing Ivory Coast’s March friendlies with a shoulder issue, he returned to start the surprise warm‑up win over France and is expected to feature prominently in the tournament.

2. Gilberto “Crackito” Mora (Mexico)

Age: 17 | Position: Midfielder | Club: Club Tijuana

The Mexican prodigy earned nicknames such as “The Mexican Pedri” and “The Mexican Pearl” after dazzling at last year’s U‑20 World Cup against Spain. He made history as Liga MX’s youngest ever scorer at 15 and was part of the Gold Cup‑winning side at 16. Real Madrid and Manchester City have reportedly taken notice. Coach Javier Aguirre hopes the 17‑year‑old can earn a starting berth when Mexico opens against South Africa at the Azteca, though competition for places will be fierce.

3. Johan Manzambi (Switzerland)

Age: 20 | Position: Midfielder | Club: SC Freiburg

Born in Geneva, Manzambi originally dreamed of becoming a goalkeeper before idolising Manuel Neuer. The versatile midfielder was a key figure in Freiburg’s run to the Europa League final, scoring seven league goals and providing a spectacular semi‑final strike against Braga. UEFA named him the competition’s “Revelation of the Season.” Swiss captain Granit Xhaka has praised his “insatiable hunger for goals,” and coach Murat Yakin expects him to be a regular in the national side this summer.

4. Ricardo Pepi (United States)

Age: 23 | Position: Striker | Club: PSV Eindhoven

The PSV forward has turned heads with 19 goals in the Dutch title‑winning campaign, including six in his last five matches. Internationally, Pepi has 13 goals in 35 caps for the United States. With the pressure on the co‑hosts to progress beyond the group stage, his sharp finishing could be a vital asset for the US side.

These four are just the beginning. The full list of twenty hopefuls—spanning continents and clubs—offers a glimpse of the fresh talent that could rewrite the narrative of the 2026 World Cup, proving that the next generation is ready to step onto football’s biggest stage.

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#International Soccer #Football #Young Players #World Cup 2026 #emerging talent