Everyone knows about Mbappe, Haaland and Messi, but who are the next generation of bright young talents waiting to make their mark on the world stage?
Here we profile six players who could be set for a major international breakthrough at this summer’s World Cup.
Gilberto Mora (Mexico)
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Age: 17
International Caps: 5
At just 17, Gilberto Mora is one to watch at his home World Cup this summer. Set to play his second major tournament at such a young age, the attacking midfielder has an impressive resume.
Playing for Club Tijuana since his youth, Mora became the youngest goalscorer in Liga MX history at just 15 years and 230 days. A natural leader, he captained Mexico’s U17s side at just 15.
He broke more records after debuting for the senior national team at just 16 during the CONACAF Gold Cup in 2025. First featuring against Saudi Arabia in the quarter finals, he grabbed an assist against Honduras in the semis, before starting in the final against the US, where they were victorious.
Despite a hernia injury, Mora has bounced back this season, with 8 goals and an assist to his name. A confident young man, he spoke on Mexico’s World Cup chances: “We are at home, I think we are the favourites.”
Ali Azaizeh (Jordan)
Position: Left Winger/Right Winger
Age: 21
International Caps: 1
Jordan secured their maiden World Cup appearance with a dominant top-two finish in AFC Group B. Jamal Sellami’s squad remains a mystery to many, with Musa Al-Taamari serving as the nation’s sole representative in Europe’s top-five leagues playing for Rennes.
However, a new X-factor protagonist is emerging on the opposite flank: Ali Azaizeh. The 21-year-old’s ascent was marked by a sensational U-23 Asian Cup campaign in January 2026. Azaizeh netted four goals in just three games, nearly dragging Jordan past Japan in a heart-wrenching quarterfinal shootout.
That brilliance earned him a marquee move to Al-Shabab in the Saudi Pro League and a senior debut against Costa Rica. Azaizeh is the archetype of the modern complete attacker, physically imposing, technically gifted, and absolutely dangerous in front of goal.
His trademark thunderous long-range strikes will offer Jordan a lethal weapon this World Cup. Much like Saudi Arabia’s iconic upset of Argentina in 2022, Azaizeh can bring the Asian side over the hump with his unpredictability from distance.
Kerim Alajbegovic (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Position: Left Wing
Age: 18
International Caps: 8
This 18-year-old left winger burst onto the scene this year after an incredible loan campaign with RB Salzburg. With eight goals, three assists, and 15 goal involvements, Kerim Alajbegovic quickly became a regular in Salzburg’s starting XI this season.
And his international stats are starting to flourish. Alajbegovic made headlines in his debut for Bosnia and Herzegovina’s qualifying games, with strong performances that resulted in a goal and helped the Bosnian sides return to the World Cup.
Although still bound by contract to Bayer Leverkusen, the winger has been linked to Borussia Dortmund, Arsenal, Aston Villa, Manchester City, Benfica and Sporting CP. He will be the youngest out of a squad that features a large number of senior players and the most expensive under 21 player. Will this young star be able to follow in the footsteps of Bosnian legend Edin Džeko and help lead his country out of the group stages for the first time?
Kenan Yıldız (Turkey)
Position: Attacking Midfielder
Age: 21
International Caps: 28
Originally born in Regensburg, Germany, 21-year-old attacking midfielder Kenan Yildiz is one to watch at the World Cup in North America this year. A product of Bayern Munich’s academy, he made the bold switch to Italian giants Juventus in 2022, before breaking into the first team in 2023.
The 2025/26 season has been the breakthrough for Yildiz: 14 goals and 10 assists to his name, leading both categories in Juventus’s push for Champions League qualification. His creativity and attacking prowess rewarded him with the Serie A rising star of the month in March 2026.
Internationally, he’s become a key figure for Turkey alongside Real Madrid’s Arda Guler, finishing as the nation’s top scorer in World Cup qualifiers and playing a decisive role in the play-off journey, with wins over Romania and Kosovo.
Speaking earlier this year, Turkish head coach Vincenzo Montella claimed “He’s a footballer who makes me happy with his performance and style of play.”
Johan Manzambi (Switzerland)
Position: Centre Midfielder
Age: 20
International Caps: 10
At 20 years old, Johan Manzambi seized the reins as Freiburg’s main man in the midfield and quickly established himself as a certified match-winner.
Playing primarily as a box-to-box, Manzambi has exquisite physicality and an excellent long-shot. His goal against Bayern Munich is a prime example of that, when he curled a stunning effort into the top corner leaving the legendary Manuel Neuer flat-footed.
Ironically, he grew up idolising Neuer and wanted to play in goal, but his family talked him out of it.
Switzerland is reaping the reward of that intervention. He already bagged three goals in just 10 international appearances for Switzerland.
Head coach Murat Yakin praised the young midfielder as a rare talent who “has an incredible instinct for goal”.
At the conclusion of the World Cup, Manzambi’s stocks may be soaring even higher. He has already been linked to European giants like Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Manchester United.
Yan Diomande (Ivory Coast)
Position: Left Winger
Age: 19
International Caps: 9
Yan Diomande is a force to be reckoned with. Born in Ivory Coast, Diomande became the top scorer in the USPL youth league and MVP after moving to the USA in 2022 which quickly drew attention in Europe.
He signed with Bundesliga side RB Leipzig in 2025 and since then has made a startling impact. With 12 goals and eight assists under his belt, he became the second youngest player to achieve a hat-trick in Bundesliga history behind Walter Bechtold in 1965.
In his debut at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Diomande scored his third international goal for the senior team, cementing his place in the squad for this tournament. RB Leipzig describes his strengths as ‘explosive’ and ‘dangerous’ with a ‘high work rate at both ends of the pitch’.
Although not a heavily experienced senior international player, this could be the start of the Ivory Coast producing yet another superstar in the mould of Didier Drogba and Yaya Touré.