Football has a young generation boiling with talent, some having already stepped up for their teams and others ready to take up the mantle. At the World Cup they will shine on the grandest of stages – here are seven to savour
Lamine Yamal, Spain’s maestro
It almost feels normal now to see Yamal dominate elite football matches, which says everything about how extraordinary his rise has been.
The Barcelona winger already plays with the confidence of a veteran. He wants the ball constantly, he attacks defenders without hesitation and he creates moments that can completely change matches in seconds. What separates him from many young wide players is not only his dribbling talent and his pace but also his decision-making. He does not simply rely on flair; he understands tempo, spacing and when to deliver the final pass.
For Spain, he represents something spontaneous and more dangerous than possession-heavy control, a bit of samba to their salsa. He gives them unpredictability. In tournament football, where one moment can decide everything, that matters enormously.
Yamal has already demonstrated that in Euro 2024. Now the World Cup.
Jamal Musiala, Germany’s creator
Musiala plays football like he sees spaces nobody else can see.
Germany have spent the last decade seeking to restore their footballing prestige after underwhelming tournament performances. There are some talented players, like Florian Wirtz, but Musiala at his best will be the centrepiece of any squad. His dribbling in tight spaces, balance under pressure, ability to see the space before any other, and pace to glide past multiple defenders make him one of the hardest players in world football to contain.
He also carries responsibility naturally. Even in difficult matches, he keeps demanding possession and trying to force openings. He has had problems with injuries this season but fans will be hoping he heats up again in time for the World Cup.
Germany are eager to challenge seriously on the biggest stage again. Musiala could be the player leading them forward.
If you know ball, you’ll know where it is in front of Musiala 🔍🤔
📸 DFB/ Philipp Reinhard pic.twitter.com/4XcdGxdT1h
— German Football (@DFB_Team_EN) April 16, 2025
Rayan Cherki, France’s wildcard
France have an array of talent, but Cherki offers something different even within that extraordinary pool of players.
The Lyon attacker is now making a serious argument to be one of the most inventive young footballers in Europe. Even in the Premier League, stiffer than an old lady’s back this season, his light-heartedness and flair have shone brightly to cast aside the gloom.
He attempts passes others do not even consider and thrives in chaotic attacking situations. Tournaments may often be decided by players willing to take risks.
France possess a lot of structure, power and depth and could lay claim to being the most talented side on the world’s stage this summer. So ridiculous is the group of talent at their disposal that Cherki is not even guaranteed a start.
But our Manchester City man could be their ace in the hole.
Elliot Anderson, England’s pivot
Anderson’s rise has transformed the way many view England’s future.
Energetic, aggressive and technically sharp, he brings intensity both with and without the ball. He can carry possession through midfield, press relentlessly and contribute creatively in advanced areas, bringing much more creative power than his counterpart and likely midfield partner Declan Rice.
England have often suffered on the international stage for having players more famous than they are skilful, but Anderson feels like part of a generation capable of pushing them further.
He has the profile of a player who can forge a reputation in a tournament. With him as the midfield pivot, it could come homeTM this summer.
Anderson making his mark 💪 #ThreeLions | @eonenergyuk pic.twitter.com/3RShr7NwSs
— England (@England) November 14, 2025
Kenan Yildiz, Turkey’s star
Turkish football has two players rocketing their way to the top of the game: Yildiz and Arda Guler.
It can seem like a coin toss between these two who turns up for Turkey, but Yildiz looks primed to be that player.
The Juventus forward carries himself with confidence beyond his years. He can operate centrally or from wide positions, is comfortable receiving under pressure and has shown a calmness in front of goal that elite attackers need. On the World Cup stage, his confidence and flair could make him one of the tournament’s most entertaining players.
Turkey may well be a dark horse this summer, and Yildiz could be the rider.
GOOOOOOOOL! GOL! GOL! GOL!
KENAN YILDIZ! TWEET BU KADAR! 🇹🇷#BizimÇocuklar #GERvTUR pic.twitter.com/Xpbfx5UWTR
— Türkiye #BizimÇocuklar 🇹🇷 (@MilliTakimlar) November 18, 2023
Nico Paz, Argentina’s artist
Argentina are world champions and are still likely to have Lionel Messi this summer, but the transition towards the next generation is already underway.
Nico Paz has emerged as one of the country’s most intriguing young talents because of his technical composure and intelligence between the lines. The Como star plays with patience, rarely looks rushed and possesses the kind of left foot capable of unlocking compact defences.
There will inevitably be pressure attached to any young Argentine playmaker, given what Messi has accomplished, and perhaps nobody else could possibly live up to that, but it feels like if anyone could get close enough it’s Paz.
He may not yet be the star attraction for Albiceleste, and may not even currently be in the first XI, but he’s one to watch, and with one or two brilliant performances he could find himself earning a regular spot in the side.
And where best for a passing of the baton, if not a World Cup?
Endrick, Brazil’s prodigy
“Talent unshackled by the usual laws … a lovely footballer, equal parts miniature battering ram and phantom menace, capable of both knocking down the front door and sneaking in the back,” was the assessment of The Athletic’s Jack Lang in March 2024, the year Endrick would move to Europe.
He was only 17 then. He is 19 now and still has every bit of that talent about him. The Real Madrid forward combines explosive acceleration with the instincts of a natural goalscorer. He attacks space aggressively, strikes the ball cleanly, and plays with the intensity Brazil supporters expect from iconic forwards.
Having struggled for minutes at Madrid this season – not unexpected, given his age – he spent the second half of the season on loan at Lyon to ready himself for the World Cup. Brazil have a lot of older, more experienced players and at times younger ones like Endrick could be dropped because they still have their career ahead of them.
But if he does go to the Americas, Endrick has what it takes to be the player who defines 2026 for Brazil.
“Endrick has for a long time been considered the best young talent in world football, so good in fact that he is expected to follow in the footsteps of his countrymen Pele, Ronaldo and Romario and become a global star,” The Observer’s Thiago Rabelo said in his assessment. If that doesn’t tickle your fancy, what will?
The story of Endrick 🇧🇷💫 pic.twitter.com/yMlwN7pI1R
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) May 13, 2026
