FIFA World Cup 2026- Five Young Stars Who Could Become the Next Big Thing in Football...

The FIFA World Cup is not just a tournament, it is a stage where ordinary players become legends overnight. Think about it, nobody outside France had really heard of Kylian Mbappe before the 2018 World Cup. A 19-year-old kid ran circles around every defence and walked away as a global superstar. Before that, Colombia's James Rodriguez scored that unforgettable volley in 2014 and the whole world fell in love with him. The World Cup does that to players, it takes young, raw talent and turns them into icons.

Written by Deepak Sharma, New Delhi, Published by Deepak Sriram, 18 May 2026, Saturday, 5:45 PM IST

This year, the tournament arrives in a massive way. The 2026 FIFA World Cup, expanded to 48 teams across the United States, Canada and Mexico, will be the biggest tournament in football history. More teams, more matches, more chances for unknown faces to shine. And as always, everyone is asking the same question, who will be the next one?

Here is a look at five players who could answer that question.

Nico Paz (Argentina)

This name might not ring a bell for most Indian football fans, but remember it, because it soon will. Nico Paz is the son of former Argentine international Pablo Paz, and despite being born and raised in Spain, he has chosen to play for Argentina, the current world champions. A product of the Real Madrid academy, the 21-year-old has flourished under manager Cesc Fabregas at Italian club Como over the past two years. Why does this matter? Because Paz could have the daunting task of filling in for Lionel Messi, with Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni expected to manage the 38-year-old's game time during the title defence. Stepping into Messi's shoes, even partially, is about as high-pressure as it gets. If he handles it well, he handles the whole world.

Désiré Doué (France)

Doué has already lit up the biggest stage in club football, winning the man-of-the-match award and scoring twice in Paris Saint-Germain's Champions League final victory over Inter Milan last year. But this will be the 20-year-old's first taste of a major international tournament. Doué has a battle just to ensure he starts for France, among a dazzling display of attacking talent that includes Kylian Mbappe, Ballon d'Or winner Ousmane Dembele and Bayern Munich's Michael Olise. However, Doué gave manager Didier Deschamps a timely reminder of his quality with his first two international goals in a 3-1 friendly win over Colombia in March. If he gets his chance, do not be surprised if he grabs it with both hands.

Endrick (Brazil)

Brazil fans have been waiting for their next Ronaldo, their next Neymar. Endrick burst onto the international scene by scoring the winner against England at Wembley two years ago, becoming Brazil's youngest goalscorer since Ronaldo in the process. The 19-year-old had a tough time at Real Madrid, sitting behind big names. But he has found his scoring touch since moving on loan to French club Lyon in January. Often compared to the great Romario for his powerful physique, Endrick will be hoping to recreate the former's success in scoring five goals when Brazil won the World Cup on US soil back in 1994. History, hunger, and talent, he has all three.

Pedri (Spain)

Spain's midfield maestro Pedri has proven to be a fitting heir to the legendary Xavi Hernandez for both club and country. After first rising to prominence as an 18-year-old at Euro 2020, he was key to Spain's European Championship triumph two years ago, though injury kept him out of the semi-finals and final. For Barcelona, he has put his injury troubles behind him under manager Hansi Flick, playing a starring role in back-to-back La Liga title wins. This World Cup could finally be the stage where Pedri puts his name in lights internationally.

Nico O'Reilly (England)

The 21-year-old O'Reilly has already earned the full trust of Pep Guardiola to become a regular for Manchester City and that alone tells you everything you need to know. Guardiola does not hand out opportunities out of affection. If this youngster is playing regularly for arguably the most demanding manager in world football, he is genuinely special.

The World Cup kicks off on June 11. By the time it ends on July 19, at least one of these names will be on the lips of football fans everywhere, including right here in India. The only question is which one.