Still only 18, Yamal has already won La Liga and Copa del Rey titles with Barcelona, as well as the UEFA European Championship with Spain. Widely regarded as one of the most exciting talents in the game, he heads into the tournament with expectations high and Spain among the favourites to go all the way.

France are also expected to be strong contenders. Paris Saint-Germain team-mates Désiré Doué and Warren Zaïre-Emery look set to feature prominently in a squad determined to bounce back from their 2022 final defeat to Argentina. Both arrive at the World Cup after playing key roles in PSG’s second consecutive UEFA Champions League triumph and will be eager to add another major trophy to their collection.

Defending champions Argentina possess another exciting candidate in Nico Paz. The 21-year-old has flourished since leaving Real Madrid for Como, helping the Italian side secure Champions League qualification for the first time in their history. Blessed with creativity, vision and technical quality, Paz has all the attributes to make a major impact this summer.

Another name to watch is Yan Diomande. The Ivory Coast forward has attracted significant transfer interest following an impressive campaign with RB Leipzig and will head to the World Cup looking to further raise his profile. The 19-year-old was named Bundesliga Rookie of the Season and is regarded as one of the most promising young attackers in the game.

The depth of young talent on display means the race for the award is likely to be fiercely contested. England’s Nico O'Reilly will hope to build on an impressive season with Manchester City, while Germany’s Lennart Karl earned his place in the squad after emerging as one of Bayern Munich’s brightest prospects.

Norway winger Antonio Nusa, Türkiye and Real Madrid playmaker Arda Güler, and Brazil forward Endrick are also among the exciting young stars capable of leaving their mark on the FIFA World Cup 2026™.