The younger stars you HAVEN’T heard of about to gentle up the World Cup – our skilled talent-spotter has picked out 32 high abilities, from an Everton goal who might hang-out England to Uzbekistan’s reply to Lionel Messi

In only a few days’ time, the most important World Cup in historical past will kick off in Mexico Metropolis.

With 48 groups within the new expanded format, we’ll see the most important names from world wide… and likewise a raft of stars you may be much less accustomed to.

For some this would be the excellent store window to showcase their abilities, with the eyes of the world on them and the possibility to safe an enormous transfer. Scouts from throughout the globe will likely be flocking to North America to seek out the following hidden gem.

To provide the skilled lowdown earlier than the motion will get going, TOM COLLOMOSSE has picked out 32 names you could not have heard of – however quickly will. In no specific order, that is who you need to have your eye on over the following six weeks…

1. Bazoumana Toure (Ivory Coast)

Age: 20 Membership: Hoffenheim Place: Winger Caps: 5 Objectives: 2

Toure is a pupil of ASEC Mimosas in his homeland and when you haven’t heard of them, you in all probability ought to have. Their academy produced a few of Africa’s most interesting gamers together with Kolo and Yaya Toure, and Bonaventure and Salomon Kalou.

Hoffenheim signed him from Swedish membership Hammarby within the winter of 2025 and he has since produced 15 assists – in addition to 5 objectives – in 45 appearances.

Toure is described as a happy-go-lucky character and given his potential, it’s no surprise. Like different gamers on this listing, Toure is already hooked up to a distinguished company, Distinctive Sports activities Group, and has admirers throughout Europe.

2. Caleb Yirenkyi (Ghana)

Age: 20 Membership: Nordsjaelland Place: Midfield Caps: 11 Objectives: 1

Like Tottenham ahead Mohammed Kudus, who misses this event as a consequence of harm, Yirenkyi is a product of the Ghanaian academy Proper to Dream. In addition they personal Danish membership Nordsjaelland and ship their finest abilities there.

A type of is Yirenkyi, who joined Nordsjaelland in 2024 and is now represented by one of many world’s main businesses, CAA Stellar. That’s often a superb clue about what the long run might maintain.

Yirenkyi has sturdy technical and bodily traits and may play each as a holding midfielder or additional up the pitch. He scored in Ghana’s current pleasant towards Wales.

Denmark to England can be an enormous leap and a robust World Cup not ensures an enormous switch. However England’s strongest golf equipment are watching carefully. 

3. Gilberto Mora (Mexico)

Age: 17 Membership: Tijuana Place: Attacking midfielder Caps: 8 Objectives: 0 

He could also be solely 17 however already Mora is carrying the hopes of a nation. When Mexico hosted the World Cup in 1986, their hero was Hugo Sanchez, an excellent ahead for Actual Madrid from 1985-92. Mora has some technique to go to achieve Sanchez’s standing however he actually has the expertise to do it.

A artistic midfielder for Membership Tijuana, Mora was nonetheless solely 16 when he was named in Mexico’s beginning XI for final yr’s Gold Cup ultimate. ‘I consider he is usually a key determine for the nationwide crew and somebody who evokes the following era,’ mentioned Fulham ahead Raul Jimenez, his worldwide team-mate.

Mora is already represented by Rafaela Pimenta, one of many sport’s most distinguished brokers, who additionally handles the affairs of Erling Haaland.

Mora idolised Cristiano Ronaldo as a toddler which, allied to Sanchez’s historical past, makes a transfer to Actual Madrid really feel inevitable sooner or later. First, nonetheless, there’s a World Cup to sort out. Mora will anticipate to emerge from it as one of many world sport’s new stars.

4. Rayan (Brazil)

Age: 19 Membership: Bournemouth Place: Winger Caps: 2 Objectives: 1

Individuals had been speaking concerning the teenage ahead from Vasco da Gama for such a very long time that when he did finally go away, many have been stunned it was ‘solely’ to Bournemouth. His early performances within the Premier League will definitely have made the extra prestigious golf equipment ask themselves why they didn’t transfer extra shortly.

It often takes gamers time to adapt to Europe’s top-five leagues, particularly those that come straight from one other continent. Not Rayan, who has already claimed 5 objectives and two assists for the Cherries in solely 15 video games.

‘He belongs in the identical bracket as boys like Estevao and Endrick,’ mentioned Gustavo Almeida, one in all Rayan’s first coaches at Vasco. Rayan has been in comparison with former Inter Milan and Brazil ahead Adriano, who mentioned: ‘He is positively bought elements of my sport. He has every part he must make it. I hope he can do even higher than I did.’

Bournemouth’s mannequin has all the time been to promote their high expertise and given his present price of progress, it won’t be lengthy earlier than Rayan follows him by the exit door. A robust World Cup with Brazil may speed up that course of.

5. Yan Diomande (Ivory Coast)

Age: 19 Membership: RB Leipzig Place: Winger Caps: 9 Objectives: 3

The Ivorian flier almost didn’t make this listing as a result of after a season within the Bundesliga he’s presumably already too ‘mainstream’. On stability, although, it might have been incomplete with out him.

Leipzig have plateaued slightly since reaching the final 4 of the Champions League in 2020 underneath Julian Nagelsmann. Their eye for expertise stays as sharp as ever, although. In 2024-25, Diomande performed 10 occasions for Spanish strugglers Leganes, and there was little within the uncooked numbers to recommend a star within the making.

Leipzig noticed it in a different way and Diomande was one of many stars of German soccer final time period, producing 13 objectives and 10 assists in all competitions. Although right-footed, he can play on both flank. His type might degree off slightly as full backs turn into wiser to his fashion however there’s a lot to be enthusiastic about. 

Liverpool actually assume so, with the Reds making Diomande their high goal to enhance the assault for brand new boss Andoni Iraola.

6. Kerim Alajbegovic (Bosnia-Herzegovina) 

Age: 18 Membership: Bayer Leverkusen Place: Winger Caps: 10 Objectives: 1

Any nation ought to be petrified of going through Bosnia in a shootout. They saved their heads to beat Wales and Italy on penalties throughout the play-offs and Alajbegovic, their 18-year-old winger, scored from the spot in each matches.

He’s way more than a specialist penalty-taker, although. Preferring to function from the left, Alajbegovic is snug with each ft and, in contrast to many fashionable wingers, relishes the possibility to tackle his full again.

His performances within the play-offs have been so spectacular that Bayer Leverkusen triggered the buy-back clause to re-sign Alajbegovic from Crimson Bull Salzburg. Becoming a member of one in all Germany’s main golf equipment is spectacular sufficient however Alajbegovic doesn’t intend to cease there. His dream transfer? Actual Madrid or Barcelona.

7. Andreas Schjelderup (Norway)

Age: 22 Membership: Benfica Place: Winger Caps: 12 Objectives: 1

Generally life imitates artwork. When Schjelderup joined Benfica in January 2023, he had lengthy been a favorite for followers of the sport Soccer Supervisor. 

In the actual world, Benfica are one of many most interesting judges of younger expertise within the world sport and they might not have paid £7m for a young person with out considering lengthy and exhausting. The sellers, Danish membership Nordsjaelland, have an analogous status. Schjelderup additionally had trials with Liverpool, Juventus and Bayern Munich.

Schjelderup, who can play on each flanks, has already made greater than 100 senior appearances though he solely turned 22 final week. He has a £100million launch clause and can be represented by super-agent Pimenta. His hardest activity is perhaps forcing his manner into the Norway XI – but when he does, be careful.

8. Joel Ordonez (Ecuador)

Age: 22 Membership: Membership Bruges Place: Centre again Caps: 16 Objectives: 0

Willian Pacho is the standard-bearer for the fashionable era of Ecuadorian centre backs, a two-time Champions League winner with Paris Saint-Germain – however Ordonez isn’t too far behind him.

He has impressed in Europe’s primary membership competitors each this season and final and has lengthy been excessive on the listing of recruitment bosses at high golf equipment, who all the time watch Membership Bruges carefully available in the market.

Bruges purchase low and promote excessive. Igor Thiago is only one instance of their spectacular file, however they’ve additionally moved on Charles De Ketelaere, Ardon Jashari, Antonio Nusa and Chemsdine Talbi for important revenue.

In Pacho, Ordonez and Piero Hincapie, Ecuador have some of the stable again traces on the event, and are many individuals’s darkish horses to go far. In the event that they accomplish that, Bruges officers will likely be celebrating simply as heartily as Ecuador supporters as they watch Ordonez’s worth climb.

9. Musab Al-Juwayr (Saudi Arabia)

Age: 22 Membership: Al-Qadsiah Place: Central midfielder Caps: 34 Objectives: 6

Lately, the Saudi Professional League has turn into well-known throughout the globe for attracting some high gamers and making affords for others.

Not surprisingly, Al-Juwayr’s profession has not drawn the highlight in the identical manner, but he’s a number one home participant and maybe Saudi Arabia’s primary hope on the finals.

The 22-year-old turned some of the costly Saudi gamers in historical past when he moved from Al-Hilal to Al-Qadsiah, coached by Brendan Rodgers, for about £10m. In working with gamers like Philippe Coutinho and James Maddison, Rodgers has proven he can carry the very best from artistic midfielders and the Saudis hope he’ll work related magic with Al-Juwayr.

10. Nico Paz (Argentina)

Age: 21 Membership: Como Place: Attacking midfielder Caps: 8 Objectives: 1

One of many gems of Actual Madrid’s La Fabrica academy, Paz was bought to Serie A membership Como for about £5m in summer time 2024 and is now among the best gamers in Italy, driving the rich lakeside membership into the Champions League.

He has already been endorsed by the very best. After Paz made his debut for Argentina in a 6-0 win over Bolivia in October 2024, Lionel Messi mentioned: ‘He has a really spectacular thoughts and understands sport conditions completely. He likes to play with the ball at his ft and he’ll really feel at house right here.’

Paz was born in Spain however has chosen to symbolize the nation of his father, Pablo, who was additionally a participant. 

He has 19 objectives and 17 assists for Cesc Fabregas’ crew and has the potential to be one in all Europe’s finest creators. And if Messi wants a serving to hand this summer time, Paz is the proper man to step up. The 21-year-old suffered a knee harm scare in current days however is now thought to have resumed coaching.

11. Valentin Barco (Argentina)

Age: 21 Membership: Strasbourg Place: Midfielder Caps: 3 Objectives: 1

English soccer could be too fast to dismiss a participant in the event that they wrestle to make an prompt impression within the Premier League. After a comparatively nameless spell at Brighton, Barco has turn into of the highest midfielders in French soccer at Strasbourg and has pressured his manner into the Argentina squad. He’s even fascinating Chelsea as they proceed to make use of their BlueCo pipeline to nice impact.

Nicknamed Colo – a typical moniker in Argentina for these with reddish hair – Barco has taken the robust path to the highest. When he was within the Boca Juniors academy, Barco would wake at 6am to do his homework. He would go away college at noon to start a 250-mile spherical journey to coaching, usually returning house at 10pm.

The exhausting work has paid off. Barco now has three senior caps and is represented by Gestifute, the corporate run by super-agent Jorge Mendes.

When Argentina gained the 2022 World Cup, Enzo Fernandez was the younger midfielder who made his title. Nonetheless solely 21, Barco will consider he can do the identical this summer time.

12. Bilal El Khannouss (Morocco)

Age: 21 Membership: Stuttgart Place: Attacking midfielder Caps: 37 Objectives: 3

Away from the day job, El Khannouss is happiest within the kitchen. His speciality is a twist on bolognese sauce, that includes peppers, mushrooms, mozzarella and recent tomatoes. And with a ball at his ft, there isn’t a doubt El Khannouss has the recipe for fulfillment.

Overlook his relegation with Leicester in 2025. El Khannouss confirmed loads of high quality within the Premier League and since becoming a member of Stuttgart final summer time, he has performed a key position of their qualification for Champions League soccer subsequent season.

Although he represents Morocco, El Khannouss was born in Belgium and has been in comparison with Kevin De Bruyne, who additionally started his profession with Genk. Like De Bruyne, El Khannouss can play as a part of a midfield three or as a sophisticated playmaker, and is snug with both foot. You believe you studied we are going to see him once more within the Premier League. Sadly, he’s more likely to be there lengthy earlier than Leicester return.

13. Warren Zaire-Emery (France)

Age: 20 Membership: PSG Place: Central midfielder Caps: 11 Objectives: 1

Having made his debut for Paris Saint-Germain aged 16 and gained his first cap for France at 17, Zaire-Emery has lengthy since left the ‘promising teen’ tag behind. He’s closing in on 200 appearances for PSG, has gained greater than 10 caps for France and has solely simply turned 20.

But as harsh as this sounds, Zaire-Emery remains to be ready to stamp his mark on membership and worldwide soccer, the way in which Kylian Mbappe did as a young person. For many different golf equipment and nations, he can be an computerized starter. Such is the extent of expertise and expertise round him, the midfielder has needed to be comparatively affected person at PSG.

Perhaps this summer time will likely be his second. As now we have seen in earlier tournaments, younger gamers want solely an harm or loss or type elsewhere to be given their probability. As soon as they’re in, they’ll make themselves not possible to go away out.

With Zinedine Zidane set to switch Didier Deschamps in control of Les Bleus after the World Cup, Zaire-Emery could also be his primary man for Euro 2028. If known as upon this summer time, although, anticipate Zaire-Emery to step up.

14. Paul Wanner (Austria)

Age: 20 Membership: PSV Eindhoven Place: Attacking midfielder Caps: 3 Objectives: 0

When Wanner broke by at Bayern Munich, many anticipated him to play at this World Cup – however for Germany, quite than Austria.

In November 2024, whereas on mortgage at Heidenheim, Wanner was on the radar of Nagelsmann and slated for a senior call-up. Nonetheless, Wanner continued within the Germany Underneath-21 facet as an alternative of stepping as much as the principle group. Now he won’t ever play for them.

Wanner made his debut for Bayern aged simply 16 and is a left-footed midfield creator who has been in comparison with Mesut Ozil. Now with PSV Eindhoven, he’s a Dutch champion this season and dedicated to Austria in March 2026.

‘This choice was in all probability the toughest of my profession,’ mentioned Wanner, who has a German father and an Austrian mom. ‘As a result of by my mother and father, my upbringing and the levels of my profession, I actually have two hearts in my chest.’ Time will inform whether or not a kind of hearts has dominated his head.

15. Johan Manzambi (Switzerland)

Age: 20 Membership: Freiburg Place: Central midfielder Caps: 12 Objectives: 3

The Freiburg midfielder was one of many few gamers who checked out house within the Europa League ultimate when his crew have been effectively crushed by Aston Villa, which augurs effectively for the way he may carry out this summer time.

Switzerland are without end missed within the build-up to main tournaments however they proceed to carry out strongly. They missed out on the semi-finals of the final two European Championships solely on penalties and look well-placed to high a bunch that includes Canada, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Qatar. 

Manzambi has been in comparison with Germany nice Michael Ballack, and his spectacular aim towards Ballack’s former membership Bayern earlier in April solely underlined his pedigree. He’s thought to have been scouted by Actual Madrid.

‘He ought to carry on being as artistic and full of life as he’s now,’ mentioned Freiburg midfielder Vincenzo Grifo. ‘He is aware of methods to beat opponents too – not everybody can try this.’ With Manzambi of their crew, the Swiss have each cause to really feel assured.

16. Alessandro Circati (Australia)

Age: 22 Membership: Parma Place: Centre again Caps: 13 Objectives: 1

Think about being eligible for each Italy and Australia, selecting the latter after which qualifying for the World Cup whereas the Azzurri keep at house.

Although Circati was born in Italy, he moved to Australia when he was just one as his father, Gianfranco, went to play for Perth Glory.

By the point Alessandro returned to Italy, becoming a member of Parma in April 2021, he was already on the worldwide radar in two nations and was provided the possibility to play for Italy’s youth sides. As an alternative the centre again selected the Socceroos and already has over a dozen caps.

Who helped him make the choice? None apart from Gianluigi Buffon, World Cup winner in 2006 and arguably Italy’s best goalkeeper.

The pair have been briefly collectively at Parma and Circati revealed: ‘The very first thing he mentioned to me was, “What do you’re feeling inside? Overlook about every part else”. I adopted his opinion and I’m completely happy I did.’

Given Italy’s present fortunes, maybe Buffon regrets being as sincere as he was.

17. Endrick (Brazil)

Age: 19 Membership: Actual Madrid Place: Striker Caps: 16 Objectives: 3

The hype machine of social media creates a peculiar problem for gifted younger gamers. Accounts battle to shout the loudest about numerous youngsters, typically earlier than they’ve even made their senior debut.

When Endrick first performed for Palmeiras shortly after his sixteenth birthday, the expectation was unrealistically excessive. Initially, he tailored effectively to life at Actual Madrid following his near-£50m transfer two years in the past however when the attacker was despatched on mortgage to Lyon earlier this yr, it was pure to surprise if the noise had been just a bit too loud.

How Endrick has proved any doubters unsuitable. In half a season in France, Endrick produced eight objectives and eight assists, sealing their place in subsequent season’s Champions League qualifying rounds.

Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti was Endrick’s first boss at Actual Madrid and spoke to his pupil earlier than he joined Lyon. ‘His recommendation touched my coronary heart. He instructed me, “Go, develop your soccer, I need you to be completely happy”,’ Endrick revealed. Ancelotti, for one, believes the hype is actual.

18. Nathan Saliba (Canada)

Age: 22 Membership: Anderlecht Place: Central midfielder Caps: 15 Objectives: 2

Alphonso Davies – health allowing – and Jonathan David would be the cowl stars for co-hosts Canada’s second consecutive World Cup marketing campaign, however Saliba is likely one of the younger gamers supporters hope will guarantee a brilliant future.

The 22-year-old shares an agent with David and, just like the Juventus ahead some years in the past, is beginning to make a reputation for himself in European soccer. The holding midfielder has 15 caps and hopes to make the beginning XI for Canada’s opener towards Bosnia-Herzegovina.

The Belgian high division is a superb place for younger expertise to develop and at Anderlecht, Saliba experiences high-pressure matches in entrance of demanding followers.

‘I feel I’ve made some errors in not all the time together with him sufficient, as a result of I feel he is a high-potential participant for us,’ mentioned Canada coach Jesse Marsch final yr. ‘I’m excited to spend extra time with him.’

Saliba added: ‘I don’t wish to put ceilings on myself. I wish to play at as excessive a degree as potential.’

19. Samir El Mourabet (Morocco)

Age: 20 Membership: Strasbourg Place: Central midfielder Caps: 2 Objectives: 0

Like Morocco team-mate Ayyoub Bouaddi, El Mourabet was born in France. And like Bouaddi, El Mourabet has determined towards taking part in for Les Bleus.

This has been the central midfielder’s breakthrough season, with 33 appearances in Ligue 1. It won’t be simple to interrupt into Morocco’s beginning XI however together with Senegal, the Atlas Lions are Africa’s strongest challengers and in the event that they go far, all gamers can have a job to fulfil.

‘It’s a sense of satisfaction for the entire household as a result of I can symbolize my nation,’ he has mentioned.

El Mourabet was initially launched by Strasbourg aged 13 amid considerations about his weight. He moved to Lyon to play futsal and was introduced again to Alsace when he was 17. Andrey Santos returned to Chelsea final summer time after a effective stint at Strasbourg and El Mourabet has crammed the hole successfully. Now for the same job this summer time.

20. Julio Enciso (Paraguay)

Age: 22 Membership: Strasbourg Place: Winger Caps: 31 Objectives: 4

Throughout his early appearances for Brighton within the 2022-23 season, Enciso seemed a Premier League star within the making. A fast, incisive attacker, he claimed 4 objectives and two assists in 20 video games and seemed like the following big-money sale from Brighton’s spectacular manufacturing line.

It didn’t work out like that. Enciso struggled for sport time after that effective begin and couldn’t assist Ipswich to survival throughout a mortgage spell within the second half of final season.

He has blossomed once more this time period, although, after discovering a super house at Strasbourg. He has performed usually and completed with 12 objectives and 9 assists to make sure he arrived at this event in flying type.

‘We have proven we will compete with anybody in South America,’ mentioned Enciso. ‘For me, (representing Paraguay) is every part; it’s my house and my satisfaction.’ Nonetheless, Enciso’s harm within the 4-0 pleasant win over Nicaragua has left a nation holding its breath. His absence can be an enormous blow for this crew.

21. Can Uzun (Turkey)

Age: 20 Membership: Eintracht Frankfurt Place: Attacking midfielder Caps: 6 Objectives: 1

Regulate Turkey this summer time. Because of his performances for Actual Madrid, Arda Guler is now a bona fide world star. Kenan Yildiz has the coveted No 10 shirt for Juventus and isn’t far behind Guler.

Each are too well-established to make this listing however there’s related pleasure in Turkey about Uzun. Though he was born in Germany, Uzun selected to symbolize his the nation of his mother and father, regardless of the very best efforts of Germany nice Rudi Voller. ‘We tried it. It was an exquisite dialog along with his father and his agent, however ultimately it’s important to settle for it,’ he mentioned.

Earlier this season, Uzun scored in 5 consecutive matches for Eintracht Frankfurt – a uncommon feat for a young person. He completed with 10 objectives and 6 assists in 2025-26 and may play on the left, at centre ahead or as a No 10. At 20, the World Cup ought to be the proper stage to boost his status.

22. Luka Vuskovic (Croatia) 

Age: 19 Membership: Tottenham Hotspur Place: Centre again Caps: 5 Objectives: 1

Tottenham’s finest defender has simply had the season of his life. He was one of many excellent gamers in his league this season and is at the moment price greater than £50m. Sadly, he didn’t play a single sport for Spurs.

The extra Spurs struggled, the extra baffling their choice to miss Vuskovic appeared. At the least they managed to keep away from relegation final season, which implies they are able to right their mistake subsequent time period. But Vuskovic, who excelled on mortgage at Hamburg, won’t be in need of suitors.

Proper-footed however able to taking part in in both centre-back position, Vuskovic has additionally scored six occasions this season and began the March friendlies towards Colombia and Brazil.

Luka Modric is already a fan. ‘He performed two excellent video games,’ mentioned the Croatia legend. ‘He has an amazing future forward of him, he simply must hold going.’

23. Petar Sucic (Croatia)

Age: 22 Membership: Inter Milan Place: Central midfielder Caps: 16 Objectives: 1 

Any Croatian midfielder with potential will inevitably be in comparison with Modric, which feels slightly unfair. Modric is likely one of the finest of recent occasions and few midfielders can match him.

That ought to not cease Sucic forging an extended worldwide profession, although. Like his compatriots Mateo Kovacic and Marcelo Brozovic, Sucic left his homeland to hitch Inter Milan, who’re quietly assured he can observe of their footsteps.

Like Kovacic and Brozovic, Sucic is equally adept as a No 6 or No 8. Although he has not been an computerized starter for the Italian champions, Sucic has the flexibility to adapt. The following couple of seasons ought to form his profession. A good World Cup will surely assist, too.

24. Mbekezeli Mbokazi (South Africa)

Age: 20 Membership: Chicago Hearth Place: Centre again Caps: 10 Objectives: 1 

When hosts South Africa took on Mexico within the opening sport of the 2010 World Cup, Mbokazi was solely 4. When the nations meet once more on Thursday night time, he can have a much more necessary job to do.

Mbokazi ought to really feel at house within the event. The 20-year-old centre again has made a effective begin to his profession within the MLS with Chicago Hearth. 

Lately the MLS is a viable path to Europe and Mbokazi, who made his debut for Bafana Bafana a yr in the past, has time on his facet. Nevertheless it has not all been plain crusing.

Mbokazi was the topic of a dispute between his agent, Basia Michaels, and South Africa coach Hugo Broos. When Mbokazi moved to Chicago, Broos described Michaels as ‘a pleasant little girl who thinks she is aware of soccer’ – remarks for which he apologised. Michaels responded: ‘It does sadly trample on the work that I’ve accomplished.’

25. Jens Castrop (South Korea)

Age: 22 Membership: Borussia Monchengladbach Place: Wing-back Caps: 7 Objectives: 0

The Borussia Monchengladbach man is a trailblazer. Born in Germany to a South Korean mom, he represented Germany at youth degree earlier than switching allegiance in 2025. He made his debut later that yr in a victory over the US.

‘I all the time knew I used to be not only a common German like others in my class,’ he mentioned. ‘I all the time knew that I am at the least half Korean.

‘Son Heung-min and Lee Jae-sung converse good English and German. I’m studying Korean very passionately. I study for an hour, 4 or 5 occasions every week.’

Castrop has been a dependable performer in a troublesome season for Gladbach, working primarily as a central midfielder. Now comes the enjoyable half. ‘Taking part in on the World Cup would imply a lot to me that I do not even wish to discuss it,’ he added.

26. Esmir Bajraktarevic (Bosnia-Herzegovina)

Age: 21 Membership: PSV Eindhoven Place: Winger Caps: 16 Objectives: 1

Italy’s Federico Dimarco is likely one of the most efficient wing-backs in Europe however he’s nonetheless in all probability waking in a chilly sweat after Bajraktarevic gave him a chasing within the World Cup play-off in March.

With Alajbegovic on one facet, Bajraktarevic on the opposite and Edin Dzeko within the center, Bosnia may very well be harmful this summer time.

Born in Appleton, Wisconsin to folks who fled Srebrenica throughout the Balkan Wars within the Nineteen Nineties, Bajraktarevic performed for the USA at age-group degree however finally selected Bosnia. With Dutch champions PSV Eindhoven, Bajraktarevic delivered seven objectives and 5 assists this time period.

Greater than 7,000 Bosnian Muslim males and boys have been murdered in Srebrenica, for which former Serbia president Slobodan Milosevic was charged with conflict crimes. Bajraktarevic mentioned: ‘My mother and father misplaced relations. Srebrenica is part of me and who I’m. It is in my blood.’

27. Ibrahim Maza (Algeria)

Age: 20 Membership: Bayer Leverkusen Place: Winger Caps: 15 Objectives: 2

The Bayer Leverkusen creator is one in all many gamers who determined to play for the nation of their heritage as an alternative of the nation of their delivery. If Maza can carry out to his potential this summer time, Germany’s loss will likely be Algeria’s acquire.

Maza is already massive enterprise. He doesn’t flip 21 till November however is already represented by one in all Europe’s strongest businesses, CAA Stellar, who dealt with his transfer from Hertha Berlin to Leverkusen final summer time.

Although Leverkusen have struggled to recreate the heights of their stellar title-winning season underneath Xabi Alonso in 2024, Maza has made good progress. He made 44 appearances in all competitions this season, claiming 5 objectives and 7 assists, and first performed for Algeria aged 18.

Nagelsmann was upset Maza didn’t choose Germany however the 20-year-old defined: ‘I’m multicultural, with three nationalities: German, Algerian, and Vietnamese. I like all three nations, however finally my choice was for private causes.’

28. Ibrahim Mbaye (Senegal)

Age: 18 Membership: PSG Place: Ahead Caps: 10 Objectives: 3

The ultimate of the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations will likely be remembered as some of the controversial matches in historical past. In opposition to that backdrop, it’s simple to overlook Mbaye’s very good cameo for Senegal throughout their extra-time win over Morocco.

Mbaye had turn into one of many youngest gamers to carry the trophy, at 17 years and 11 months. Since then, Morocco have been awarded the victory following Senegal’s choice to stroll off the pitch after the hosts have been handed a controversial late penalty (subsequently missed by Brahim Diaz). Who is aware of the place the saga will finish, however Mbaye’s profession goes just one manner.

Though he was born in France and grew up at Paris Saint-Germain, Mbaye accepted the decision from Senegal not lengthy earlier than AFCON.

It’s no shock Mbaye doesn’t play usually for PSG, as he belongs to some of the highly effective golf equipment on the planet. However earlier than too lengthy the winger, who prefers to play on the precise however also can function on the left, will make his mark at membership degree. Aston Villa would like to signal him.

Senegal may very well be a shock package deal this summer time, and don’t guess towards Mbaye ending the competitors as one of many world sport’s latest younger stars.

29. Abbosbek Fayzullaev (Uzbekistan)

Age: 22 Membership: Istanbul Basaksehir Place: Attacking midfielder Caps: 30 Objectives: 8 

Each nation appears to have a participant nicknamed ‘Messi’. Some nations and golf equipment stretch the purpose greater than others however the label will all the time create a buzz across the participant in query. Making ready for Uzbekistan’s first World Cup, Fayzullaev has not shied away from the comparability.

Capable of play wherever throughout the attacking line, Fayzullaev left Russian membership CSKA Moscow to maneuver to Istanbul Basaksehir in summer time 2025. He has 4 objectives and 7 assists in Turkey, together with eight objectives for his nation.

Fayzullaev has reportedly known as the ‘Uzbek Messi’ moniker – utilized by Uzbekistan followers in addition to Russian soccer observers – ‘an honour’ whereas emphasising that he needs to ascertain himself in his personal proper.

What subsequent for Fayzullaev? If he continues to carry out effectively for Basaksehir, the place he performs alongside his countryman Eldor Shomurodov, a transfer to one in all Turkey’s giants Galatasaray or Fenerbahce might observe. By then, he hopes to have made his mark on the worldwide stage.

30. Kojo Peprah Oppong (Ghana)

Age: 22 Membership: Good Place: Centre again Caps: 4 Objectives: 0 

Though they did not qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, Ghana will likely be one in all Africa’s representatives this summer time and in Oppong they’ve one of many continent’s most fascinating younger centre backs.

He gave Ghanaian followers a scare when he sustained an harm within the spring pleasant towards Germany however he has since returned to motion in Ligue 1 with Good.

He has the best mentor, too. Now 42, Brazilian defender Dante remains to be taking part in for Good and has proven Oppong the ropes. ‘He instructed me it’s necessary to handle the sport and preserve vitality, particularly if you’re main, so that you don’t overexpose your self,’ Oppong mentioned.

Oppong beforehand performed in Sweden – a favoured stepping stone for West African gamers – and his worth has climbed to about £10million since shifting to France. Final season, he made 43 appearances in all competitions and is assumed to have been scouted by Everton.

31. Gustavo Puerta (Colombia)

Age: 22 Membership: Racing Santander Place: Central midfielder Caps: 4 Objectives: 1

Puerta has had an uncommon profession. Signed by Bayer Leverkusen from Bogota in January 2023, the midfielder has since performed for Nuremberg and Hull Metropolis on mortgage, earlier than becoming a member of Spanish membership Racing Santander for £3million final summer time and serving to their thrilling facet win promotion to La Liga.

There are few younger gamers within the present Colombia squad, with coach Nestor Lorenzo preferring to depend on gamers with know-how. Even the mercurial former Aston Villa ahead Jhon Duran, now with Zenit St Petersburg, didn’t make the ultimate lower regardless of his ample expertise.

Puerta will likely be there, although, and should even get the nod over Richard Rios for the opening sport towards Uzbekistan. He can function in a variety of central midfield roles, though he’s handiest in entrance of the defence. Lorenzo has adopted Puerta carefully since he was a key member of the Underneath-20 facet and needs him to keep up these management qualities with the senior squad this summer time.

32. Ayyoub Bouaddi (Morocco)

Age: 18 Membership: Lille Place: Central midfielder Caps: 3 Objectives: 0  

The issue for high teenage abilities at this time is that they’re all inevitably measured towards Lamine Yamal. Regardless of how good they’re, they are going to wrestle to match the achievements of the Barcelona and Spain star, who’s arguably the very best participant on the planet.

In one other period, there can be much more consideration on gamers like Bouaddi, the elegant midfielder who ran the present towards Actual Madrid within the Champions League in October 2024. Only a few footballers handle that in a complete profession, not to mention on their seventeenth birthday.

Like many younger gamers in French soccer, Bouaddi seems as mature off the pitch as he’s on it. With Brigitte Macron, the spouse of French president Emmanuel, among the many viewers, the 15-year-old Bouaddi took half in a public talking contest, provided to gamers enrolled in French academies. He has excelled in school, significantly in maths.

‘I needed to hold on my research as a result of it permits me to profit from my free time, and study,’ Bouaddi has mentioned. ‘It allows me to maintain my thoughts alert.’

In Might, Bouaddi made one of many largest calls of his younger life, selecting to symbolize Morocco, his mother and father’ homeland, over his native France. 

He wouldn’t have made the lower for France this time however his inclusion makes a strong Morocco squad look even stronger.