World Cup 2026: Five teenage talents to watch out for including Barcelona sensation and Man Utd transfer target

The 2026 World Cup is around the corner, and all 48 participating teams will be eagerly awaiting the start of what they hope will be a historic tournament.

This edition of the competition will be held in the United States, Canada and Mexico, and it will be the largest ever event held by FIFA.

Football's biggest competition has consistently acted as the ultimate launchpad for youngsters to announce themselves on the global stage.

Pele in Sweden 1958, Lionel Messi in Germany 2006, James Rodriguez in Brazil 2014, Kylian Mbappe in Russia 2018, and Enzo Fernandez in Qatar 2022 to name just a few.

Here, Sports Mole looks at five teenage stars who will aim to follow in their footsteps at what will be their first World Cup this summer.

Lamine Yamal | 18 | Spain & Barcelona

It goes without saying that Lamine Yamal will be the most high-profile teenage star on display at this summer’s World Cup and he could have a huge role to play in helping pre-tournament favourites Spain win their first global prize since 2010.

Three years on from making his professional debut, the Barcelona sensation has already amassed 151 appearances at club level, scoring 49 goals and registering 45 assists, while he has also chipped in with six goals in 25 national team outings for Spain.

A technically elite, left-footed winger who continues to strike fear in the eyes of defenders, Yamal will turn 19 on July 13, just six days before the World Cup final, and he will be aiming to become the first player to win both the Euros and World Cup before their 20th birthday.

Yan Diomande | 19 | Ivory Coast & RB Leipzig

Yan Diomande has enjoyed a brilliant breakout season with RB Leipzig and the World Cup represents the perfect opportunity for him to show exactly why a plethora of the biggest clubs, including Manchester United, Liverpool and Barcelona, are chasing his signature this summer.

The 19-year-old made his professional debut with Leganes in March 2025 before joining Leipzig for around €20m, and the skillful, ball-carrying winger has since blossomed into one of the Bundesliga’s brightest stars, recording 12 goals and eight assists in 28 league games this term.

Now valued at a staggering €100m, Diomande was unable to showcase his talent during March’s international break due to injury. Nevertheless, he was a key figure for Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations en route to the quarter-finals, while he scored twice in as many World Cup qualifiers to help his nation reach the Finals for the first time in 12 years.

Endrick | 19 | Brazil & Real Madrid

With fellow teenage starlet Estevao Willian missing the World Cup due to a hamstring injury, it is Endrick who could steal the show for Brazil at this year's tournament alongside the likes of Vinicius Junior and Raphinha.

The striker made his senior debut for Brazil back in 2023, becoming the fourth-youngest male player to represent the national team behind Coutinho, Edu and Pele.

Endrick joined Real Madrid after turning 18 in 2024 and spent the second half of last season out on loan at Lyon, where he impressed with 15 goal contributions in 21 appearances across all competitions.

Luka Vuskovic | 19 | Croatia & Tottenham Hotspur

Luka Vuskovic is the only defender to make this list, but his performances while on loan from Tottenham Hotspur at Hamburger SV make him one to watch.

Though the centre-back is only 19, many in Croatia believe that he can be the next superstar to emerge from the country, with his commanding displays in defence unusual for someone so young.

Already capable of dominating opposition attackers, England striker Harry Kane should be wary of getting on the wrong side of the defender when the Three Lions face Croatia in their opening group game on June 17.

Gilberto Mora | 17 | Mexico & Club Tijuana

Co-hosts Mexico have unearthed a generational talent in Gilberto Mora, who surpassed both Yamal and Brazil icon Pele to become the youngest player ever to lift a major senior international trophy, aged 16 years and 265 days.

The 5ft 6in playmaker was a revelation during El Tri’s 2025 CONCACAF Gold Cup triumph last summer, starting in the quarter-finals, semi-finals and final. He provided the match-winning assist for Raul Jimenez in the semi-final against Honduras, before helping Mexico overcome USA 2-1 in the showpiece.

With 49 senior appearances and nine goals for Club Tijuana, Mora has already caught the attention of Europe’s elite clubs, including Real Madrid and Barcelona. After a brief injury spell at the start of this year, the teenager is hoping to play a starring role for Mexico at the World Cup.