Fifty days from today, the biggest World Cup in history will kick off in Mexico City.
With 48 teams in the new expanded format, we’ll see the biggest names from around the world… and also a raft of stars you’ll be less familiar with.
For some this will be the perfect shop window to showcase their talents, with the eyes of the world on them and the chance to secure a big move. Scouts from across the globe will be flocking to North America to find the next hidden gem.
To give you the expert lowdown before the action even gets going, TOM COLLOMOSSE has picked out the 50 names you may not have heard of – but soon will. This is who you should have your eye on between now and kick-off between Mexico and South Africa on June 11.
1. Bazoumana Toure (Ivory Coast)
Age: 20 Club: Hoffenheim Position: Winger Caps: 5 Goals: 2
Toure is a pupil of the ASEC Mimosas club in Ivory Coast and if you haven’t heard of them, you probably should have. Their academy produced some of Africa’s finest players including Kolo and Yaya Toure, and Bonaventure and Salomon Kalou.
Hoffenheim signed Bazoumana Toure a year ago from Swedish club Hammarby and this season he has produced eight assists – as well as three goals – in 26 Bundesliga appearances.
Toure is described as a happy-go-lucky character and given his potential, it is no wonder. Like other players in this list, Toure is already attached to a prominent agency – Unique Sports Group – and has admirers across Europe.
Liverpool are among those watching him, with scouts at Hoffenheim games throughout this season.
Bazoumana Toure is the latest gem to come out of the ASEC Mimosas academy in the Ivory Coast
2. Caleb Yirenkyi (Ghana)
Age: 20 Club: Nordsjaelland Position: Midfield Caps: 8 Goals: 0
Like Tottenham attacker Mohammed Kudus, Yirenkyi is a product of the Ghanaian academy Right to Dream, who also own Danish club Nordsjaelland and send their best talents there.
One of those is Yirenkyi, who joined Nordsjaelland in 2024 and is now represented by one of the world’s leading agencies, CAA Stellar. That is usually a good clue about what the future may hold.
Yirenkyi has strong technical and physical traits and can play both as a holding midfielder or further up the pitch.
Denmark to England would be a big jump and, just as Kudus moved to Ajax before the Premier League, Yirenkyi might take a similar route. But England’s strongest clubs are watching closely.
Caleb Yirenkyi battles Germany and Liverpool’s Florian Wirtz in a friendly last month
3. Gilberto Mora (Mexico)
Age: 17 Club: Tijuana Position: Attacking midfielder Caps: 5 Goals: 0
He may be only 17 but already Mora is carrying the hopes of a nation. When Mexico hosted the World Cup in 1986, their hero was Hugo Sanchez, an outstanding forward for Real Madrid from 1985-92. Mora has some way to go to reach Sanchez’s status but he certainly has the talent to do it.
A creative midfielder for Tijuana, Mora was still only 16 when he was named in Mexico’s starting XI for last year’s Gold Cup final. ‘I believe he can be a key figure for the national team and someone who inspires the next generation,’ said Fulham forward Raul Jimenez, his international team-mate.
Mora is already represented by Rafaela Pimenta, one of the game’s most prominent agents, who also handles the affairs of Erling Haaland.
Mora idolised Cristiano Ronaldo as a child which, allied to Sanchez’s history, makes a move to Real Madrid one day feel inevitable.
First, however, there is a World Cup on home soil to tackle. Mora will expect to emerge from it as one of the global game’s new stars.
Gilberto Mora became the youngest Mexico player ever last year, at the age of just 16
4. Kees Smit (Netherlands)
Age: 20 Club: AZ Alkmaar Position: Central midfielder Caps: 1 Goals: 0
Smit was already big business before he shone at last summer’s European Under-19 Championships and his reputation has grown dramatically since.
Alkmaar know they will sell their young gem next summer and clubs across Europe are already jockeying for position. Smit’s family have spoken to a handful of Premier League clubs, with Newcastle holding a long-standing interest. If anyone in England tries to sign him, they are likely to face competition from Real Madrid.
He has the majority of AZ’s matches this season, and has performed effectively in a variety of midfield roles. Scouts and coaches love his mentality and leadership qualities, too. Expect to see them on a grander stage soon.
Kees Smit (right) has attracted interest from across Europe this season, with Newcastle among the clubs vying for his signature
5. Mika Godts (Belgium)
Age: 20 Club: Ajax Position: Winger Caps: 2 Goals: 0
These are lean times for Ajax. The club of Johan Cruyff, Marco van Basten and Dennis Bergkamp, four-time European champions, are fifth in the Eredivisie and drifting. To think it is only seven years since a magical team featuring Frenkie de Jong and Matthijs de Ligt came desperately close to reaching the Champions League final.
In moments like these, it is even more difficult for young players to prove their worth – coaches need quick fixes and are less likely to rely on inexperienced players – and this is why Godts has a bright future. A right-footed winger who likes to drift in from the left, Godts has been a vital part of the team with 15 goals and 12 assists in all competitions, and has been capped twice by Belgium.
‘Training at that level, you quickly feel everything is a bit faster,’ said Godts after the March camp. ‘You can see that Kevin De Bruyne still has that class at his age. It’s rare. These are the players from whom I can still learn a lot.’
He should be able to watch them even more closely in North America this summer. After that, a move to one of Europe’s top five leagues surely beckons.
Flying winger Mika Godts (left) has been a rare bright spot for Ajax this season
6. Nathan De Cat (Belgium)
Age: 17 Club: Anderlecht Position: Central midfielder Caps: 1 Goals: 0
When very young players are given a taste of senior international football a short while before a major tournament, it is not difficult to read the coach’s thinking. If these kids are worth fast-tracking, then they are probably worth taking to a World Cup.
De Cat is firmly in that group after playing the final 20 minutes of Belgium’s 5-2 win over USA in March. He does not turn 18 until July but, at 6ft 3in, is already a towering presence in the Anderlecht midfield.
With only one year remaining on his contract, it seems unlikely that De Cat will be there for much longer. It is tough on the Belgian giants, who may be forced to accept less than £30million for one of the most promising players they have produced. It is no surprise that Bayern Munich, now managed by former Anderlecht player and boss Vincent Kompany, are keeping a close eye on him.
He covers the pitch impressively from the centre and also uses the ball well while showing strength in the tackle. In recent times, Anderlecht have deployed him as an attacking midfielder.
‘My role models are Declan Rice and Rodri,’ he said recently. ‘To reach their level, I have to work hard.’ The chance to take them on may come sooner than he could have imagined.
At just 17, Nathan De Cat (right) won his first Belgium cap last month against the USA
7. Rayan (Brazil)
Age: 19 Club: Bournemouth Position: Winger Caps: 1 Goals: 0
People had been talking about the teenage attacker from Vasco da Gama for such a long time that when he did eventually move, many were surprised that it was ‘only’ to Bournemouth. His early performances in the Premier League will certainly have made the more prestigious clubs ask themselves why they did not swoop more quickly.
It usually takes players time to adapt to Europe’s top five leagues, especially those who come straight from another continent. Not Rayan, who has already claimed two goals and two assists in 10 games for Andoni Iraola’s exciting side.
‘He belongs in the same bracket as boys like Estevao and Endrick,’ said Gustavo Almeida, one of Rayan’s first coaches at Vasco. Rayan has been compared to former Inter Milan and Brazil forward Adriano, who said: ‘He’s definitely got parts of my game. He has everything he needs to make it. I hope he can do even better than I did.’
Iraola will leave the Cherries this summer. The club’s model has always been to sell their top talent and given his current rate of progress, it will not be long before Rayan follows him through the exit door. A strong World Cup with Brazil might accelerate that process.
Bournemouth’s breakout star Rayan (left) has now made his debut on the international stage for Brazil
8. Rodrigo Mora (Portugal)
Age: 18 Club: Porto Position: Attacking midfielder Caps: 0 Goals: 0
First the good news: when Mora made his first-team debut for Porto in a Europa League tie at Bodo/Glimt in September 2024, he became the second-youngest player to appear for the Dragons in European competition.
Now the bad news: the youngest is Fabio Silva who, until last summer’s dreadful recruitment campaign, was probably the biggest transfer flop in Wolves’ history and proof that teenage success does not always lead to an elite career.
After a stellar 2024-25 season, Mora has found the going tougher under Porto’s latest coach Francesco Farioli, though he has forced his way back into the starting XI recently.
With such dazzling creative gifts, it is surely only a matter of time before Mora’s star shines again.
Rodrigo Mora (left) was part of Portugal’s Nations League-winning squad last year – it may not be long before Cristiano Ronaldo hands over the starring role in their country’s team, too
9. Yan Diomande (Ivory Coast)
Age: 19 Club: RB Leipzig Position: Winger Caps: 9 Goals: 3
The Ivorian flier nearly did not make this list because after six months in the Bundesliga he is possibly already too ‘mainstream’. On balance, though, it would have been incomplete without him.
Leipzig have plateaued a little since reaching the last four of the Champions League in 2020 under Julian Nagelsmann. Their eye for talent remains as sharp as ever, though. Just three seasons ago Diomande was playing fourth-tier amateur football in the United States and even last season, he played just 10 times for Spanish strugglers Leganes. There was little to suggest a star in the making.
Leipzig saw differently and Diomande has been one of the stars of German football this season, producing 13 goals and eight assists in all competitions, and is now being valued at a whopping £87m by his club. Liverpool, Manchester United and Bayern Munich are among those tracking him.
Though right-footed, he can play on either flank. His form may level off a little as full backs become wiser to his style but there is so much to be excited about.
Yan Diomande was playing fourth-tier football in the United States three years ago. Now, RB Leipzig value him at £87m
10. Williot Swedberg (Sweden)
Age: 22 Club: Celta Vigo Position: Left winger Caps: 1 Goals: 0
Probably even Sweden themselves are still struggling to work out exactly how they managed to qualify for the World Cup. The Scandinavians, managed by Graham Potter, finished bottom of their group, collecting only two points from a section that also included Switzerland, Kosovo and Slovenia.
Yet thanks to their Nations League displays, Sweden squeezed into the play-offs and promptly despatched Ukraine and Poland to reach the finals. The omens are good, too: last time the tournament was staged in North America, 32 years ago, Sweden finished third.
Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak are the poster boys for this team but Swedberg, known by Celta Vigo fans as ‘Kraken’, should be a rising star if he makes the squad.
He was only on the bench for the play-off win over Poland but the 22-year-old, who can play as a No 10 or from the left, has developed a habit of making key contributions at crucial times. Exactly what is needed at a major tournament.
Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak are the poster boys for this team but Williot Swedberg, known by Celta Vigo fans as ‘Kraken’, should be a rising star if he makes the squad
11. Kerim Alajbegovic (Bosnia-Herzegovina)
Age: 18 Club: Red Bull Salzburg Position: Winger Caps: 8 Goals: 1
Any nation should be fearful of facing Bosnia in a penalty shootout. They kept their heads to beat Wales and Italy on penalties during the play-offs and Alajbegovic, their 18-year-old winger, scored from the spot in both matches.
He is much more than a specialist penalty-taker, though. Preferring to operate from the left, Alajbegovic is comfortable with both feet and, unlike many modern wingers, relishes the chance to take on his full back.
His performances in the play-offs were so impressive that Bayer Leverkusen triggered the buy-back clause to re-sign Alajbegovic from Red Bull Salzburg.
Joining one of Germany’s leading clubs is impressive enough but Alajbegovic does not intend to stop there. His dream move? Real Madrid or Barcelona.
Preferring to operate from the left, Kerim Alajbegovic (left) is comfortable with both feet and, unlike many modern wingers, relishes the chance to take on his full back
12. Lennart Karl (Germany)
Age: 18 Club: Bayern Munich Position: Attacking midfielder Caps: 2 Goals: 0
It is difficult for teenagers to establish themselves in the first team at any level of football. Doing so at Bayern Munich is about as tough as it comes.
The German champions have a squad of proven internationals and would rarely consider promoting academy players simply to make a point. Not only has Karl broken into the squad at Bayern, he has become a first-team player, making 35 appearances for Vincent Kompany’s outstanding team this season as they eye a Treble.
Julian Nagelsmann promptly took note and brought Karl, who has been compared to Toni Kroos, into the senior Germany squad. ‘Of all the young players we’ve got here, so far he’s been one of the best,’ said Nagelsmann during the March camp.
He has two caps and looks nailed on for a place on the plane – fitness permitting. A thigh injury earlier in April put the brakes on Karl but he has resumed running again and hopes to be fit by the end of the season. It shows how important he has become that fans of both Bayern and Germany are crossing their fingers.
Lennart Karl (left) has been a revelation at such a young age for Bayern Munich and now Germany
13. Andreas Schjelderup (Norway)
Age: 21 Club: Benfica Position: Winger Caps: 10 Goals: 1
Benfica are one of the finest judges of young talent in the global game and they would not have paid £7m for a teenager without thinking long and hard.
The sellers, Danish club Nordsjaelland, have a similar reputation. Schjelderup also had trials with Liverpool, Juventus and Bayern Munich.
Schjelderup, who can play on either flank, has already made more than 100 senior appearances even though he is still only 21.
He has a £100m release clause and is represented by one of the world’s leading agents. His hardest task might be forcing his way into the starting line-up of dark horses Norway – but if he does, watch out.
Andreas Schjelderup has a £100m release clause at the age of just 21
14. Livano Comenencia (Curacao)
Age: 22 Club: Zurich Position: Right back Caps: 16 Goals: 1
Working his way through the PSV Eindhoven and Juventus youth systems without making a senior appearance, Comenencia is starting to build his top-flight career by playing regularly for FC Zurich. Best of all, he will be a key man for Curacao as they tackle the first World Cup in their history.
Comenencia is happiest at right back but can also play on the other flank or in the centre. His goal in the qualifiers against Jamaica last autumn paved the way for Curacao’s surprise qualification. The Caribbean island has a population of about 156,000 – the smallest ever to qualify for a World Cup.
He said: ‘I think the achievement makes it very special because we are the smallest country. We came really far… we trained and played on pitches that are not really good and we fought with blood, sweat and tears. I think we really deserve to play at the World Cup.’
Livano Comenencia (right) will be a key man for Curacao as they tackle the first World Cup in their history
15. Wesley (Brazil)
Age: 22 Club: Roma Position: Right back Caps: 6 Goals: 0
This is Wesley’s first season in European football but the Brazilian looks like he has been there for years. Roma can be a tough crowd for new players yet already they love Wesley, who has excelled in both full back positions.
Whenever a Brazilian full back performs well at Roma, the comparisons with Cafu are immediate. Like Brazil’s 2002 World Cup-winning captain, Wesley is a fearsome attacker but is also diligent in defence. A superb all-rounder who will test any opponent this summer.
The problem for modern-day Roma is that Wesley might not be around for long enough to explore them further. He has done so well this season that a move to a Champions League regular is possible – especially as Roma are a selling club these days.
Those who do not follow Italian football closely will surely enjoy watching Wesley for the first time this summer.
This is Wesley’s first season in European football but the Brazilian (left) looks like he has been there for years
16. Joel Ordonez (Ecuador)
Age: 22 Club: Club Bruges Position: Centre back Caps: 16 Goals: 0
Willian Pacho is the standard-bearer for the modern generation of Ecuadorian centre backs, winning the Champions League with Paris Saint-Germain last summer and in with a shout of repeating the trick this season – but Ordonez is not too far behind him.
He has impressed in the Champions League himself the last two seasons and has long been high on the list of recruitment bosses at top clubs, who always watch Club Bruges closely in the market.
Bruges buy low and sell high. Red-hot Brentford striker Igor Thiago is just one example of their impressive record, but they have also moved on Charles De Ketelaere, Ardon Jashari, Antonio Nusa and Chemsdine Talbi for significant profit.
In Pacho, Ordonez and Arsenal’s Piero Hincapie, Ecuador have one of the most solid back lines at the tournament, and are many people’s dark horses to go far. If they do so, Bruges officials will be celebrating just as heartily as their supporters as they watch Ordonez’s value climb.
Joel Ordonez (right) is part of a formidable Ecuador defence that could see them go far in the tournament
17. Musab Al-Juwayr (Saudi Arabia)
Age: 22 Club: Al-Qadsiah Position: Central midfielder Caps: 32 Goals: 6
It’s hard to draw the spotlight in a league that has made its name signing some of the world’s biggest stars on enormous wages.
But Al-Juwayr, despite not playing for one of the mega-rich PIF-owned clubs, has become a leading domestic player and perhaps Saudi Arabia’s main hope at the finals, as they look to follow up on beating eventual champions Argentina 2-1 in the group stage of the last World Cup in Qatar.
The 22-year-old became one of the most expensive Saudi players in history when he moved from Al-Hilal to Al-Qadsiah, coached by Brendan Rodgers, for about £10m.
When working with players like Philippe Coutinho and James Maddison, Rodgers has shown he can bring the best from creative midfielders and the Saudis, who are currently managerless after Herve Renard’s resignation, will hope he has worked similar magic with Al-Juwayr.
Musab Al-Juwayr is learning under Brendan Rodgers at Al-Qadsiah in the Saudi Pro League
18. Kodai Sano (Japan)
Age: 22 Club: NEC Nijmegen Position: Central midfielder Caps: 2 Goals: 0
Only football obsessives will have followed the progress of provincial club NEC Nijmegen to the higher reaches of the Eredivisie. Those who are watching closely, though, will know all about Sano.
The Japanese playmaker has been so impressive this season that Crystal Palace see him as a potential successor to Adam Wharton, and had a bid turned down in January. Sano is now valued at about £30m and that number is only likely to climb if he has an impressive World Cup.
NEC are third in the Eredivisie and Sano has been at the heart of their outstanding campaign. He has played in every game and barely missed a minute, registering seven assists as well as three goals. With only two more years left on his contract, Sano will surely leave this summer – either to Ajax, or one of Europe’s stronger leagues.
Sano is not yet a regular in the Japan side. He has only two caps and did not leave the bench during their recent win over England at Wembley. Yet talent usually finds a way and Sano will surely not be overlooked for much longer.
Japanese playmaker Kodai Sano has been so impressive this season that Crystal Palace see him as a potential successor to Adam Wharton, and had a bid turned down in January
19. Nico Paz (Argentina)
Age: 21 Club: Como Position: Attacking midfielder Caps: 8 Goals: 1
One of the gems of Real Madrid’s La Fabrica academy, Paz was sold to Serie A club Como for about £5m in summer 2024 and is now one of the best players in Italy, driving the wealthy lakeside club towards European football under head coach Cesc Fabregas.
He has already been endorsed by the best. After Paz made his debut for Argentina in a 6-0 win over Bolivia in October 2024, Lionel Messi said: ‘He has a very impressive mind and understands game situations perfectly. He likes to play with the ball at his feet and he’ll feel at home here.’
Paz was born in Spain but has chosen to represent the country of his father, Pablo, who went to the 1998 World Cup with Argentina and won 14 caps of his own.
Paz Jnr has 19 goals and 16 assists for Fabregas’ team and has the potential to be one of Europe’s best creators.
Nico Paz (second right) struck his first international goal last month, a superb free-kick in a friendly against Mauritania in Buenos Aires
20. Valentin Barco (Argentina)
Age: 21 Club: Strasbourg Position: Attacking midfielder Caps: 2 Goals: 1
English football can be too quick to dismiss a player if they struggle to make an instant impression in the Premier League. After a relatively anonymous spell at Brighton, Barco has become of the top midfielders in French football at Strasbourg and has forced his way into the Argentina squad. He is even interesting Chelsea as they continue to use their BlueCo pipeline to great effect.
Nicknamed ‘Colo’ – a standard moniker in Argentina for those with reddish hair – Barco has taken the tough route to the top. When he was in the Boca Juniors academy, Barco would wake at 6am to do his homework. He would leave school at midday to begin a 250-mile round trip to training, often returning home at 10pm.
The hard work has paid off. Barco now has two senior caps and is represented by Gestifute, the company run by super-agent Jorge Mendes.
When Argentina won the 2022 World Cup, Enzo Fernandez was the young midfielder who made his name. Still only 21, Barco will believe he can do the same this summer.
After a relatively anonymous spell at Brighton, Valentin Barco has become of the top midfielders in France at Strasbourg and has deservedly returned to the Argentina squad
21. Bilal El Khannouss (Morocco)
Age: 21 Club: Stuttgart Position: Attacking midfielder Caps: 35 Goals: 3
Away from the day job, El Khannouss is happiest in the kitchen. His speciality is a twist on bolognese sauce, featuring peppers, mushrooms, mozzarella and fresh tomatoes. With a ball at his feet, there is no doubt El Khannouss has the recipe for success.
Forget his relegation with Leicester. El Khannouss showed plenty of quality in the Premier League and since joining Stuttgart last summer, he has played a key role in their push for Champions League football.
Though he represents Morocco, El Khannouss was born in Belgium and has been compared to De Bruyne, who also began his career with Genk. Like De Bruyne, El Khannouss can play as part of a midfield three or as an advanced playmaker, and is comfortable with either foot.
You suspect we will see him again in the Premier League. Sadly, he is likely to be there long before Leicester return.
Former Leicester playmaker Bilal El Khannouss (left) can play as part of a midfield three or as an advanced playmaker, and is comfortable with either foot
22. Paul Wanner (Austria)
Age: 20 Club: PSV Eindhoven Position: Attacking midfielder Caps: 2 Goals: 0
When Wanner broke through at Bayern Munich, many expected him to play at this World Cup – but for Germany, rather than Austria.
In November 2024, while on loan at Heidenheim, Wanner was on the radar of Julian Nagelsmann and was slated for a senior call-up. However, Wanner continued in the Germany Under-21 side instead of stepping up to the main group. Now he will never play for them.
Wanner made his debut for Bayern aged just 16 and is a left-footed midfield creator who has been compared to Mesut Ozil. Now with PSV Eindhoven, he is a Dutch champion this season and committed to Austria in March 2026.
‘This decision was probably the hardest of my career,’ said Wanner, who has a German father and an Austrian mother. ‘Because through my parents, my upbringing and the stages of my career, I truly have two hearts in my chest.’ Time will tell whether those two hearts have ruled his head.
Paul Wanner came through the Bayern Munich youth setup and represented Germany’s youth teams before switching allegiances to Austria this year
23. Johan Manzambi (Switzerland)
Age: 20 Club: Freiburg Position: Central midfielder Caps: 10 Goals: 3
The Freiburg midfielder could have a significant role in determining how many English clubs qualify for the Champions League next season.
His team have marched to the semi-finals of the Europa League and if they overcome Braga, they will face Nottingham Forest or Aston Villa in the final.
The Bundesliga’s official channels have compared Manzambi to Germany great Michael Ballack, and his spectacular goal against Ballack’s former club Bayern earlier in April only underlined his pedigree. He is thought to have been scouted by Real Madrid.
‘He should keep on being as creative and lively as he is now,’ said Freiburg midfielder Vincenzo Grifo. ‘He knows how to beat opponents too – not everyone can do that.’
Switzerland reached the quarter-finals of Euro 2020 and Euro 2024 and were beaten only on penalties. With Manzambi in their team, they will believe they can go at least a step further.
Johan Manzambi (right) has been compared to Germany great Michael Ballack, and his spectacular goal against Ballack’s former club Bayern this month only underlined his pedigree
24. Milton Delgado (Argentina)
Age: 20 Club: Boca Juniors Position: Defensive midfielder Caps: 0 Goals: 0
The problem with being an Argentine midfielder is that it is fiendishly difficult to break into the national team.
Across the decades, Argentina have usually had more competition in that area of the pitch than anywhere else and it is no different this summer, with Enzo Fernandez, Alexis Mac Allister and Paz all ahead of Delgado.
Yet Delgado is certainly one for the future, and perhaps even for the present. A classic Argentine ‘No5’, the Boca Juniors man is known best for his ball-winning abilities and strength in duels. Inevitably, he has been on the radar of many of Europe’s top clubs though none has yet followed their interest with a bid.
‘Wearing this shirt is the greatest thing there is,’ said Delgado during last year’s Under-20 World Cup. ‘Reaching the final of this competition was incredible, but winning the World Cup is the ultimate dream. I know I have to keep growing at Boca even to be considered by (Argentina coach Lionel) Scaloni.’
Milton Delgado’s size, at just 5ft 5in, does not hold him back in the physical exchanges in central midfield
25. Alessandro Circati (Australia)
Age: 22 Club: Parma Position: Centre back Caps: 11 Goals: 1
Imagine being eligible for both Italy and Australia, choosing the latter and then qualifying for the World Cup while the Azzurri stay at home.
Though Circati was born in Italy, he moved to Australia when he was only one as his father, Gianfranco, went to play for Perth Glory.
By the time Alessandro returned to Italy, joining Parma in April 2021, he was already on the international radar in two countries and was offered the chance to play for Italy’s youth sides. Instead the centre back chose the Socceroos and now has 11 caps.
Who helped him make the decision? None other than Gianluigi Buffon, World Cup winner in 2006 and arguably Italy’s greatest goalkeeper.
The pair were briefly together at Parma and Circati revealed: ‘The first thing he said to me was, “What do you feel inside? Forget about everything else”. I followed his opinion and I’m happy I did.’
Given Italy’s current fortunes, perhaps Buffon regrets being as honest as he was.
Defender Alessandro Circati represents Australia even though he was born in Italy
26. Carlos Forbs (Portugal)
Age: 22 Club: Club Bruges Position: Winger Caps: 1 Goals: 0
Now with Club Bruges, Forbs has had an unusual career. Before joining the Belgian giants, the winger had never quite managed to get going.
After shining in Manchester City’s youth teams, he moved to Ajax in summer 2023 before joining Wolves on loan the following summer. His spell in the Premier League was hardly spectacular, though, and Forbs’ star did not rise until the move to Belgium.
The 22-year-old has played 44 times this season, recording six goals and 10 assists. He made his senior Portugal debut in the 9-1 win over Armenia last November and, due to the absence of Ronaldo, he even wore the No7 shirt.
‘Carlos is a player who brings something different to our attack. He has that explosive speed and one-on-one ability that is hard to find,’ said Portugal coach Roberto Martinez.
If Forbs does make the final squad, he can forget about hanging on to that No7 shirt.
‘Carlos is a player who brings something different to our attack,’ says Portugal coach Roberto Martine. ‘He has that explosive speed and one-on-one ability that is hard to find’
27. Endrick (Brazil)
Age: 19 Club: Real Madrid Position: Striker Caps: 15 Goals: 3
The hype machine of social media creates a peculiar challenge for talented young players. Accounts battle to shout the loudest about various teenagers, sometimes before they have even made their senior debut.
When Endrick first played for Palmeiras shortly after his 16th birthday, the expectation was unrealistically high. Initially, he adapted well to life at Real Madrid following his near-£50m move two years ago but when the attacker was sent on loan to Lyon earlier this year, it was natural to wonder if the noise had been just a little too loud.
How Endrick has proved that view wrong. In less than four months in France, Endrick has seven goals and as many assists. He is driving Lyon towards the Champions League and inspired their win at PSG last weekend, producing a goal and an assist. He is still only 19.
Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti was Endrick’s first boss at Real Madrid and spoke to his pupil before he joined Lyon. ‘His advice touched my heart. He told me, “Go, develop your football, I want you to be happy”,’ Endrick revealed. Ancelotti, for one, believes the hype is real.
Endrick is one of Brazil’s brightest talents, and is flourishing on loan at French side Lyon
28. Mamadou Diakhon (Senegal)
Age: 20 Club: Club Bruges Position: Winger Caps: 1 Goals: 0
It is a good thing for France that they have so many talented players, otherwise the bright sparks at Clairefontaine would be starting to worry about the French-born footballers deciding to represent other countries.
The latest is Diakhon, a winger born in Strasbourg but eligible for Senegal, the country of his mother. Those smart talent-spotters at Club Bruges were on to Diakhon during his youth career and signed him from Stade Reims last summer. He has registered 11 assists this season as well as scoring twice.
Diakhon played in the March friendly against Gambia and, fitness permitting, should be in Pape Thiaw’s squad for the World Cup. Before that, he had played for France to Under-20 level.
‘Mamadou is a player with a profile we like – he is fast, technically gifted, and very direct,’ said Thiaw. ‘We didn’t want to pressure him, but we showed him that he is a vital part of our project.’
‘Mamadou is a player with a profile we like – he is fast, technically gifted, and very direct,’ says Senegal boss Pape Thiaw
29. Nathan Saliba (Canada)
Age: 22 Club: Anderlecht Position: Central midfielder Caps: 13 Goals: 2
Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David will be the frontmen for co-hosts Canada’s second consecutive World Cup campaign, but Saliba is one of the young players supporters hope will ensure a bright future.
The 22-year-old shares an agent with David and, like the Juventus forward some years ago, is starting to make a name for himself in European football. The holding midfielder has 13 international caps and featured in the recent friendlies against Iceland and Tunisia.
The Belgian top division is an excellent place for young talent to develop and at Anderlecht, Saliba experiences high-pressure matches in front of demanding fans.
‘I think I’ve made some mistakes in not always including him enough, because I think he’s a high-potential player for us,’ said Canada coach Jesse Marsch last year. ‘I’m excited to spend more time with him.’
Saliba added: ‘I don’t want to put ceilings on myself. I want to play at as high a level as possible.’
Canada boss Jesse Marsch says Nathan Saliba (pictured) is a ‘high-potential player’
30. Samir El Mourabet (Morocco)
Age: 20 Club: Strasbourg Position: Central midfielder Caps: 2 Goals: 0
Like Senegal winger Diakhon, El Mourabet was born in Strasbourg. And like Diakhon, El Mourabet has decided against playing for France – even though he continues to represent his hometown club.
This has been the central midfielder’s breakthrough season, with 29 appearances in Ligue 1. It will not be easy to break into Morocco’s starting XI but along with Senegal, the Atlas Lions are Africa’s strongest challengers and if they go far, all players will have a role to fulfil.
‘It’s a feeling of pride for the whole family because I can represent my country,’ he has said.
El Mourabet was initially released by Strasbourg aged 13 amid concerns about his weight. He moved to Lyon to play futsal and was brought back to Alsace when he was 17. Andrey Santos returned to Chelsea last summer after a fine stint at Strasbourg and El Mourabet has filled the gap effectively. Now for a similar job this summer.
Samir El Mourabet (right) has filled the gap at Strasbourg after midfielder Andrey Santos returned to Chelsea
31. Julio Enciso (Paraguay)
Age: 22 Club: Strasbourg Position: Winger Caps: 31 Goals: 4
During his early appearances for Brighton in the 2022-23 season, Enciso looked a Premier League star in the making. A quick, incisive attacker, he claimed four goals and two assists in 20 games and looked like the next big-money sale from Brighton’s impressive production line.
It did not work out like that. Enciso struggled for game time after that fine start and could not help Ipswich to survival during a loan spell in the second half of last season.
He has blossomed again this season, though, after finding an ideal home at Strasbourg. He has played regularly for the French club and will look to improve his tally of 11 goals and five assists in the final stretch, to ensure he joins Paraguay’s World Cup campaign in flying form.
‘We’ve shown that we can compete with anyone in South America,’ said Enciso. ‘For me, the Albirroja (Paraguay’s nickname) is everything; it’s my home and my pride.’
Julio Enciso (right) is recapturing his best form with Strasbourg after falling out of favour at Brighton
32. Can Uzun (Turkey)
Age: 20 Club: Eintracht Frankfurt Position: Attacking midfielder Caps: 4 Goals: 0
Keep an eye on Turkey this summer. Thanks to his performances for Real Madrid, Arda Guler is now a bona fide global star. Kenan Yildiz has the coveted No 10 shirt for Juventus and is not far behind Guler.
Both are too well-established to make this list but there is similar excitement in Turkey about Uzun. Even though he was born in Bavaria, Uzun chose to represent the country of his parents, despite the best efforts of Germany great Rudi Voller to persuade him otherwise.
Earlier this season, Uzun scored in five consecutive matches for Eintracht Frankfurt – a rare feat for a teenager. He has eight goals and five assists this term and can play on the left, at centre forward or as a No 10. At 20, the World Cup should be the perfect stage to enhance his reputation.
Earlier this season, Can Uzun (centre) scored in five consecutive matches for Eintracht Frankfurt – a rare feat for a teenager
33. Luka Vuskovic (Croatia)
Age: 19 Club: Tottenham Hotspur Position: Centre back Caps: 4 Goals: 1
Tottenham’s best defender is currently having the season of his life. He has been one of the outstanding players in his league this season and is currently worth more than £50m. Unfortunately, he has not played a single game for the club this term.
The more Spurs struggle, the more baffling their decision to send Vuskovic on loan to Hamburg seems, especially given the performances of the likes of Radu Dragusin in his stead. Their only way of hanging on to the 19-year-old this summer is to avoid relegation, because if Tottenham resume domestic football as a Championship club, it is difficult to see how Vuskovic returns.
Right-footed but capable of playing on either side of central defence, Vuskovic has also scored five times this season and started the March friendlies against Colombia and Brazil for Croatia.
Luka Modric is already a fan. ‘He played two very good games,’ said the Croatia legend. ‘He has a great future ahead of him, he just needs to keep going.’
Tottenham’s best defender is currently having the season of his life – the only problem is he’s not playing in north London
34. Louey Ben Farhat (Tunisia)
Age: 19 Club: Karlsruhe Position: Forward Caps: 1 Goals: 0
Like two other players on this list (Can Uzun and Ibrahim Maza), Ben Farhat was born in Germany but he has chosen to play his international football elsewhere, making his senior debut for Tunisia last month against Haiti.
The teenager, who does not turn 20 until July 19, is most effective as a support striker but can also operate as a centre forward. In the German second division, he has six goals and two assists for Karlsruhe.
He is unlikely to be out of the spotlight for too much longer, with Bayern Munich among the clubs following him.
Louey Ben Farhat (centre) made his senior Tunisia debut in the recent international break against Haiti
35. Gustavo Varela (Cape Verde)
Age: 21 Club: Benfica Position: Striker Caps: 0 Goals: 0
Just qualifying for the World Cup for the first time is an incredible achievement for Cape Verde. To make an impression, they will need a few more players – and that means looking closely in Portugal, where there are many eligible for Cape Verde.
One of these is Varela, a 21-year-old forward who is on loan at Gil Vicente from Benfica. He has adapted well to senior football this term, with seven goals and two assists in 29 appearances in all competitions.
So far, Lisbon-born Varela has represented Portugal at every level from Under 17s to Under 21s and will have his sights on a full call-up. Yet while he is an interesting young player, Varela is not considered a generational talent, in a land where competition is fierce. He may play for Portugal one day, but it is not guaranteed.
The chance to play in a World Cup should not be rejected swiftly. If Cape Verde keep calling, they might just sway Varela between now and June.
Benfica youngster Gustavo Varela is one of a number of Portugal-based players who could be tempted to play for Cape Verde
36. Luciano Rodriguez (Uruguay)
Age: 22 Club: Neom Position: Forward Caps: 5 Goals: 0
Everybody should be happy to see Marcelo Bielsa take a team to another World Cup. The football will be spectacular and self-destructive in equal measure and after a fast start, Uruguay will probably run out of steam early in the knockout stages. It should still be fun, though.
Rodriguez is one of those who could benefit from Bielsa’s style, though he has work to do to fight his way back into the squad after missing out in March. Rodriguez plays in the Saudi Pro League for Neom, where he has six goals in 25 appearances.
Bielsa’s squad looks strong, but lacking youth. With temperatures likely to be high in many venues this summer, surely the former Leeds boss will need a little more running power in his squad.
That is where Rodriguez, who made his senior international debut under Bielsa, can make his mark. It is now up to him to make an unanswerable case.
Luciano Rodriguez can offer Marcelo Bielsa the running power that his Uruguay side needs
37. Petar Sucic (Croatia)
Age: 22 Club: Inter Milan Position: Central midfielder Caps: 15 Goals: 1
Any Croatian midfielder with potential will inevitably be compared to Modric. In the end, this unfair. Modric is one of the best of modern times and few midfielders can match him.
That should not stop Sucic forging a long international career, though. Like his compatriots Mateo Kovacic and Marcelo Brozovic, Sucic left his homeland to join Inter Milan, who are quietly confident Sucic can follow in their footsteps.
Like Kovacic and Brozovic, Sucic is equally adept as a No 6 or No 8. Though he has not been an automatic starter for the likely Italian champions, Sucic has the ability to adapt. The next couple of seasons should shape his career. A decent World Cup would certainly help, too.
Petar Sucic (left) is hopeful of following in the footsteps of some of the great midfielders who have come out of Croatia in recent years
38. Montader Madjed (Iraq)
Age: 20 Club: Hammarby Position: Winger Caps: 4 Goals: 0
Will Iraq really leave out one of their most exciting players? Well, Australian manager Graham Arnold did not pick Madjed for the play-off match and he was justified as Iraq overcame Bolivia to reach their first World Cup since 1986.
Madjed is one of many interesting players in the Swedish top flight. Though he was born in Malmo, Madjed has chosen to play for Iraq. This season, the 20-year-old has played 11 times for Hammarby, scoring three goals and registering an assist. He is one of the few Iraqi players to compete in a relatively strong European league.
But for all his talent, Madjed has yet to register a goal or an assist for Iraq. He has four caps, the last of which was against Hong Kong in a friendly in September 2025. He needs strong form for Hammarby in the coming weeks to change Arnold’s mind.
Montader Madjed is one of Iraq’s most exciting players – and yet still might struggle to make the squad
39. Mbekezeli Mbokazi (South Africa)
Age: 20 Club: Chicago Fire Position: Centre back Caps: 10 Goals: 1
When hosts South Africa took on Mexico in the opening game of the 2010 World Cup, Mbokazi was only four. When the nations meet again in the first game of this tournament, he will have a far more important job to do.
Mbokazi should feel at home in the tournament. The 20-year-old centre back has made a fine start to his career in the MLS with Chicago Fire, who have won four and drawn two of his first eight games. These days the MLS is a viable route to Europe and Mbokazi, who has 10 caps for Bafana Bafana, has time on his side. But it has not all been plain sailing.
Mbokazi was the subject of a dispute between his agent, Basia Michaels, and South Africa coach Hugo Broos. When Mbokazi moved to Chicago, Broos described Michaels as ‘a nice little woman who thinks she knows football’ – remarks for which he apologised. Michaels responded: ‘It does unfortunately trample on the work that I’ve done.’
Chicago Fire centre back Mbekezeli Mbokazi scored his maiden goal for South Africa against Panama in the most recent international break
40. Jens Castrop (South Korea)
Age: 22 Club: Borussia Monchengladbach Position: Wing-back Caps: 5 Goals: 0
The Borussia Monchengladbach man is a trailblazer. Born in Germany to a South Korean mother, he represented Germany at youth level before switching allegiance in 2025. He made his debut later that year in a victory over the United States.
‘I always knew I was not just a regular German like others in my class,’ he said. ‘I always knew that I’m at least half Korean.
‘Son Heung-min and Lee Jae-sung speak good English and German. I am learning Korean very passionately. I learn for an hour, four or five times a week.’
Castrop has been a reliable performer in a tough season for Gladbach, operating mainly as a central midfielder. Now comes the fun part. ‘Playing at the World Cup would mean so much to me that I don’t even want to talk about it,’ he added.
Born in Dusseldorf, Jens Castrop (right) played for Germany’s youth teams all the way up to the Under 21s but last year switched to South Korea, where his mother is from
41. Esmir Bajraktarevic (Bosnia-Herzegovina)
Age: 21 Club: PSV Eindhoven Position: Winger Caps: 14 Goals: 1
Federico Dimarco is one of the most productive wing-backs in Europe but he is still probably waking in a cold sweat after Bajraktarevic gave him a chasing in the World Cup play-off, which Bosnia won on penalties to ensure four-time champions Italy will miss the tournament for the third time in a row – with the 21-year-old PSV winger scoring the decisive penalty.
With Alajbegovic on one side, Bajraktarevic on the other and Edin Dzeko in the middle, Bosnia could be dangerous this summer.
Born in Appleton, Wisconsin to parents who fled Srebrenica during the Balkan Wars in the 1990s, Bajraktarevic played for the USA at age-group level but ultimately chose Bosnia. With Dutch champions PSV, Bajraktarevic has five goals and two assists in 43 appearances.
More than 7,000 Bosnian Muslim men and boys were murdered in Srebrenica, for which former Serbia president Slobodan Milosevic was charged with war crimes. Bajraktarevic said: ‘My parents lost family members. Srebrenica is a part of me and who I am. It’s in my blood.’
It was Esmir Bajraktarevic’s kick that sent Bosnia to the World Cup after a penalty shootout against Italy last month
42. Ibrahim Maza (Algeria)
Age: 20 Club: Bayer Leverkusen Position: Winger Caps: 15 Goals: 2
The Bayer Leverkusen creator is already big business. He does not turn 21 until November but is already represented by one of Europe’s most powerful agencies, CAA Stellar, who handled his move from Hertha Berlin to Leverkusen last summer.
Though Leverkusen have struggled to regain the heights of their Invincible title-winning season under Xabi Alonso in 2024, Maza is making good progress. He has made 39 appearances in all competitions this season, claiming five goals and six assists, and first played for Algeria aged 18.
Nagelsmann was disappointed Maza, who was born in Berlin, didn’t pick Germany but the 20-year-old explained: ‘I am multicultural, with three nationalities: German, Algerian, and Vietnamese. I love all three countries, but ultimately my decision was for personal reasons.’
Bayer Leverkusen winger Ibrahim Maza made his Algeria debut in 2024 after playing for Germany’s age-group teams
43. Ibrahim Mbaye (Senegal)
Age: 18 Club: PSG Position: Forward Caps: 10 Goals: 3
The final of the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations will be remembered as one of the most controversial matches in history. Against that backdrop, it is easy to forget Mbaye’s superb cameo for Senegal during their extra-time win over Morocco.
Mbaye had become one of the youngest players to lift the trophy, at 17 years and 11 months. Since then, Morocco have been awarded the trophy following Senegal’s decision to walk off the pitch, though the Lions of Teranga aren’t prepared to give the trophy back. Who knows where the saga will end, but Mbaye’s career is going only one way.
Even though he was born in France and grew up at Paris Saint-Germain, Mbaye accepted the call from Senegal not long before the tournament.
It is no surprise that Mbaye does not play regularly at club level, given he has the likes of Desire Doue, Khvicha Kvaratskhelia and Bradley Barcola for competition. But before too long the winger, who prefers to play on the right but can also operate on the left, will make his mark.
If they can forget the chaos of the AFCON Final, Senegal can be dangerous this summer, and do not bet against Mbaye ending the competition as one of the world game’s newest young stars.
Ibrahim Mbaye is becoming more and more regular in PSG’s team and is now playing a starring role for Senegal too
44. Abbosbek Fayzullaev (Uzbekistan)
Age: 22 Club: Istanbul Basaksehir Position: Attacking midfielder Caps: 30 Goals: 8
Everywhere seems to have a player nicknamed ‘Messi’. Some nations and clubs stretch the point more than others but they will always create a buzz around the player in question. Preparing for Uzbekistan’s first World Cup, Fayzullaev has not shied away from the comparison.
Able to play anywhere across the attacking line, Fayzullaev left Russian club CSKA Moscow to move to Istanbul Basaksehir in summer 2025. He has four goals and eight assists in 30 games in Turkey, along with eight goals in his 30 international caps.
Fayzullaev called the ‘Uzbek Messi’ moniker – applied by Uzbekistan fans as well as Russian football observers – ‘an honour’ but emphasised that he wishes to establish himself in his own right.
What next for Fayzullaev? If he continues to perform well for Basaksehir, a move to one of Turkey’s giants Galatasaray or Fenerbahce may follow. By then, he hopes to have made his mark on the global stage.
Abbosbek Fayzullaev (right) has been nicknamed the ‘Uzbek Messi’
45. Kadir Barria (Panama)
Age: 18 Club: Botafogo Position: Forward Caps: 3 Goals: 1
Panama and England will meet again in the group phase this summer after the Three Lions’ 6-1 thumping win at Russia 2018, and Thomas Tuchel will do well to keep a close eye on Barria.
Still only 18, Barria was recruited by Botafogo last summer and he models himself on Igor Jesus, who was briefly a team-mate before moving to Nottingham Forest.
After scoring his second goal of the game against Sport Recife last November, Barria burst into tears. ‘I thought of Igor Jesus when I scored my first goal,’ he said. ‘I learned a lot from him. Before every match, I always watch his plays; he’s a great example for me. Even though he left Botafogo, I still admire him.’
It will likely be a little while before Barria follows Jesus to Europe. Yet he is making his mark and if he plays against England, Marc Guehi and Co will know they have been in a game.
Kadir Barria scored on his international debut in January against Bolivia
46. Kojo Peprah Oppong (Ghana)
Age: 21 Club: Nice Position: Centre back Caps: 4 Goals: 0
Ghana will be another threat to England’s progress this summer and in Oppong they have one of the continent’s most interesting young centre backs.
He gave Ghanaian fans a scare when he sustained an injury in the recent friendly against Germany but he has since returned to action in Ligue 1 with Nice.
He has the ideal mentor, too. Former Bayern Munich and Brazil defender Dante is still playing for Nice at the age of 42 and has shown Oppong the ropes. ‘He told me it’s important to manage the game and conserve energy, especially when you’re leading, so you don’t overexpose yourself,’ Oppong said.
Oppong played in Swedish football since 2023 – a favoured stepping stone for West African players – and his value has climbed to about £10m since moving to France. This season, he has 35 appearances in all competitions and is thought to have been scouted by Everton.
After making his debut last year, Kojo Peprah Oppong (right) has won four caps for Ghana and will now set his sights on taking down England in the group stage
47. Gustavo Puerta (Colombia)
Age: 22 Club: Racing Santander Position: Central midfielder Caps: 4 Goals: 1
Puerta has had an unusual career. Signed by Bayer Leverkusen from Bogota FC in January 2023, the midfielder has since played for Nuremberg and Hull City on loan, before joining Spanish club Racing Santander for £3m last summer. He is currently trying to help them win back promotion to La Liga and has played 29 times this season.
There are few young players in the current Colombia squad, with coach Nestor Lorenzo preferring to rely on players with know-how. Even the mercurial former Aston Villa forward Jhon Duran, now with Zenit St Petersburg, is struggling to make the tournament, despite his abundant talent.
Puerta should be there, though. He may not be in the starting XI when the tournament begins but he can operate in a number of central midfield roles, even though he is most effective in front of the defence. Lorenzo has followed Puerta closely since he was a key member of the Under-20 side and wants him to maintain those leadership qualities with the senior squad this summer.
Gustavo Puerta was an Invincible with Bayer Leverkusen in 2024, spent last season on loan at Hull City and is now playing in the Spanish second division
48. Noahkai Banks (United States)
Age: 19 Club: Augsburg Position: Centre back Caps: 0 Goals: 0
Which way will he go? That is the question on many football minds in Germany and the United States. Having already missed out on dual-nationality players like Can Uzun and Ibrahim Maza, Germany are determined to fight for Banks.
The USA want him too and head coach Mauricio Pochettino started love-bombing the Augsburg centre back last year. ‘I saw him playing in Germany, and he’s a massive talent,’ said Pochettino. ‘You never know how he can explode – maybe at the end of the season he can be the best centre back in Europe.’
Born in Honolulu, Hawaii, to an American father and a German mother, Banks is keeping his cards close to his chest. He has played for the USA at age-group level and has been called to training camps with the seniors but has yet to play competitively.
‘It’s a difficult decision regarding my nationality,’ said the 19-year-old. ‘Hopefully I have a long career ahead of me. I don’t want to make it dependent on a World Cup.’ He would be brave indeed to turn down the chance to play in one on home soil, though.
Hawaii-born Noahkai Banks is one of a long line of United States internationals to learn their trade in the Bundesliga
49. Warren Zaire-Emery (France)
Age: 20 Club: PSG Position: Central midfielder Caps: 10 Goals: 1
Having made his debut for PSG aged 16 and won his first cap for France at 17, Zaire-Emery has long since left the ‘promising youngster’ tag behind. He is closing in on 200 appearances for PSG, he has played 10 times for France and has only just turned 20.
Yet as harsh as this sounds, Zaire-Emery is still waiting to stamp his mark on club and international football, the way Kylian Mbappe did as a teenager. For most other clubs and countries, he would be an automatic starter. Such is the level of talent and experience around him, the midfielder has had to be relatively patient.
Maybe this summer will be his moment. As we have seen in previous tournaments, young players need only an injury or loss or form elsewhere to be given their chance. Once they are in, they can make themselves impossible to leave out.
With Zinedine Zidane set to replace Didier Deschamps in charge of Les Bleus after the World Cup, Zaire-Emery may be his main man for Euro 2028. If called upon this summer, though, expect Zaire-Emery to step up.
At just 20, Warren Zaire-Emery is one of the best at his position in the world, even breaking into PSG’s vaunted Champions League-winning midfield
50. Marc Bernal (Spain)
Age: 18 Club: Barcelona Position: Defensive midfielder Caps: 0 Goals: 0
The comparisons with Sergio Busquets write themselves. Like his role model, Bernal is a tall, elegant midfielder whose positional sense and choice of pass belie his age.
Bernal is cautious, however. ‘He’s a legend and I’m thrilled to be compared to him but it’s still way to early, and I want to carve my own path.’
Hansi Flick gave Bernal his Barcelona debut aged 17 and he has since recovered from a serious knee injury to re-establish himself in the first-team squad.
Bernal has a tough job to make the Spain squad, though. In March, Luis de la Fuente included Bernal on his longlist for the friendly matches against Serbia and Egypt, but he was ultimately sent to the Under-21s. Time is running out.
Yet with Martin Zubimendi struggling for form at Arsenal and Rodri needing to be handled carefully, there may yet be a chance for Bernal. As Xavi, Andres Iniesta and Pedri have demonstrated, La Masia graduates usually adapt well to international football. When he does have his chance, Bernal should be no different.
Marc Bernal is another rising star from La Masia, and could be a bolter in Spain’s squad to lead them on a charge for their second world title
