Who are the best young players to watch at FIFA World Cup 2026?

Al Jazeera counts down the top young footballers who could emerge as global names at the tournament in North America.

The 2026 World Cup will see both Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi line up for their sixth appearances at FIFA’s showpiece global event.

Both made their debuts, for Portugal and Argentina respectively, at Germany 2006, and have illuminated every tournament since.

Once more, the eyes of the world will be on their every move during what are likely to be their last appearances on the international stage. Ronaldo is 41, while Messi will turn 39 on June 24.

A sharp eye, though, is also always cast by the audience on which pretender to the crown will step forward to steal the limelight. Here, Al Jazeera takes a look at the top 10 breakout stars to watch for:

The last time Turkiye played at a World Cup, Juventus’s Kenan Yildiz wasn’t even born. But now, as they return to football’s biggest stage after a long 24-year wait, Yildiz carries the hopes of millions of Turkish fans.

Born in Germany, Yildiz arrives at the World Cup on the back of early success in Europe, having lifted the Coppa Italia in 2023-24 with Juventus and earning a place in the Serie A team of the season the following year.

Capable of playing as an attacking midfielder or winger, the young Yildiz is one of the most exciting prospects in Turkiye’s attack. The 21-year-old, who has often shared the spotlight with teammate Arda Guler, will now look to step out on his own and announce himself at one of the biggest sporting events.

This 21-year-old attacking midfielder is widely tipped as a leading candidate to succeed Lionel Messi, with the 38-year-old football legend set for what could be his final World Cup.

With 12 goals and seven assists in the Italian Serie A this season, the creative Paz was in fine form for Como, who earned their debut qualification for the Champions League two seasons after playing in the second division.

Paz operates primarily as an attacking midfielder, and is versatile enough to seamlessly drop deep or push forward, as heralded by his club manager, Cesc Fabregas.

Rayan is the latest gem to come out of Brazilian football. The 19-year-old winger received his maiden senior call-up from Carlo Ancelotti in March and was included in the World Cup squad in the absence of injured teen sensation Estevao. He scored his first goal for Brazil in their 6-2 rout of Panama in a pre-World Cup friendly.

Backed by the trust of his then-coach, Fernando Diniz, Rayan enjoyed a breakthrough season last year at Vasco da Gama Stadium.

His 20 goals in all competitions