In just a few days’ time, 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 gets going, TOM COLLOMOSSE has picked out 32 names you may not have heard of – but soon will. In no particular order, this is who you should have your eye on over the next six weeks…
1. Bazoumana Toure (Ivory Coast)
Age: 20 Club: Hoffenheim Position: Winger Caps: 5 Goals: 2
Toure is a pupil of ASEC Mimosas in his homeland 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 him from Swedish club Hammarby in the winter of 2025 and he has since produced 15 assists – as well as five goals – in 45 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.
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: 11 Goals: 1
Like Tottenham forward Mohammed Kudus, who misses this tournament due to injury, Yirenkyi is a product of the Ghanaian academy Right to Dream. They 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. He scored in Ghana’s recent friendly against Wales.
Denmark to England would be a big jump and a strong World Cup no longer guarantees a big transfer. But England’s strongest clubs are watching closely.
Caleb Yirenkyi battles Germany and Liverpool’s Florian Wirtz in a friendly back in March
3. Gilberto Mora (Mexico)
Age: 17 Club: Tijuana Position: Attacking midfielder Caps: 8 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 Club 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 feel inevitable at some point. First, however, there is a World Cup 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. Rayan (Brazil)
Age: 19 Club: Bournemouth Position: Winger Caps: 2 Goals: 1
People had been talking about the teenage forward from Vasco da Gama for such a long time that when he did eventually leave, many were surprised 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 move 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 five goals and two assists for the Cherries in only 15 games.
‘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.’
Bournemouth’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 been given the nod for Brazil ahead of more established forwards like Joao Pedro and Richarlison
5. 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 a season 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. In 2024-25, Diomande played 10 times for Spanish strugglers Leganes, and there was little in the raw numbers to suggest a star in the making.
Leipzig saw it differently and Diomande was one of the stars of German football last term, producing 13 goals and 10 assists in all competitions. 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.
Liverpool certainly think so, with the Reds making Diomande their top target to improve the attack for new boss Andoni Iraola.
Yan Diomande was playing fourth-tier football in the United States three years ago. Now, RB Leipzig value him at £87m
6. Kerim Alajbegovic (Bosnia-Herzegovina)
Age: 18 Club: Bayer Leverkusen Position: Winger Caps: 10 Goals: 1
Any nation should be fearful of facing Bosnia in a 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
7. Andreas Schjelderup (Norway)
Age: 22 Club: Benfica Position: Winger Caps: 12 Goals: 1
Sometimes life imitates art. When Schjelderup joined Benfica in January 2023, he had long been a favourite for fans of the game Football Manager.
In the real world, 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 both flanks, has already made more than 100 senior appearances even though he only turned 22 last week. He has a £100million release clause and is also represented by super-agent Pimenta. His hardest task might be forcing his way into the Norway XI – but if he does, watch out.
Andreas Schjelderup has a £100m release clause at the age of just 22
8. 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, a two-time Champions League winner with Paris Saint-Germain – but Ordonez is not too far behind him.
He has impressed in Europe’s main club competition both this season and last 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. 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 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 Ecuador 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
9. Musab Al-Juwayr (Saudi Arabia)
Age: 22 Club: Al-Qadsiah Position: Central midfielder Caps: 34 Goals: 6
In recent years, the Saudi Pro League has become famous across the globe for attracting some top players and making offers for others.
Not surprisingly, Al-Juwayr’s career has not drawn the spotlight in the same way, yet he is a leading domestic player and perhaps Saudi Arabia’s main hope at the finals.
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. In working with players like Philippe Coutinho and James Maddison, Rodgers has shown he can bring the best from creative midfielders and the Saudis hope he will work similar magic with Al-Juwayr.
Musab Al-Juwayr is learning under Brendan Rodgers at Al-Qadsiah in the Saudi Pro League
10. 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 into the Champions League.
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 was also a player.
He has 19 goals and 17 assists for Cesc Fabregas’ team and has the potential to be one of Europe’s best creators. And if Messi needs a helping hand this summer, Paz is the perfect man to step up. The 21-year-old suffered a knee injury scare in recent days but is now thought to have resumed training.
Nico Paz (second right) struck his first international goal in March, a superb free-kick in a friendly against Mauritania in Buenos Aires
11. Valentin Barco (Argentina)
Age: 21 Club: Strasbourg Position: Midfielder Caps: 3 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 three 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
12. Bilal El Khannouss (Morocco)
Age: 21 Club: Stuttgart Position: Attacking midfielder Caps: 37 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. And with a ball at his feet, there is no doubt El Khannouss has the recipe for success.
Forget his relegation with Leicester in 2025. El Khannouss showed plenty of quality in the Premier League and since joining Stuttgart last summer, he has played a key role in their qualification for Champions League football next season.
Though he represents Morocco, El Khannouss was born in Belgium and has been compared to Kevin 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
13. Warren Zaire-Emery (France)
Age: 20 Club: PSG Position: Central midfielder Caps: 11 Goals: 1
Having made his debut for Paris Saint-Germain 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, has won more than 10 caps 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 at PSG.
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
14. Paul Wanner (Austria)
Age: 20 Club: PSV Eindhoven Position: Attacking midfielder Caps: 3 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 Nagelsmann and 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 one of those hearts has 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
15. Johan Manzambi (Switzerland)
Age: 20 Club: Freiburg Position: Central midfielder Caps: 12 Goals: 3
The Freiburg midfielder was one of the few players who looked at home in the Europa League final when his team were well beaten by Aston Villa, which augurs well for how he might perform this summer.
Switzerland are forever overlooked in the build-up to major tournaments but they continue to perform strongly. They missed out on the semi-finals of the last two European Championships only on penalties and look well-placed to top a group featuring Canada, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Qatar.
Manzambi has been compared 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.’ With Manzambi in their team, the Swiss have every reason to feel confident.
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
16. Alessandro Circati (Australia)
Age: 22 Club: Parma Position: Centre back Caps: 13 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 already has over a dozen 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 was born in Italy but chose to play for Australia, thanks to some advice from Gianluigi Buffon
17. Endrick (Brazil)
Age: 19 Club: Real Madrid Position: Striker Caps: 16 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 any doubters wrong. In half a season in France, Endrick produced eight goals and eight assists, sealing their place in next season’s Champions League qualifying rounds.
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 has rediscovered his best form on loan at French side Lyon
18. Nathan Saliba (Canada)
Age: 22 Club: Anderlecht Position: Central midfielder Caps: 15 Goals: 2
Alphonso Davies – fitness permitting – and Jonathan David will be the cover stars 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 15 caps and hopes to make the starting XI for Canada’s opener against Bosnia-Herzegovina.
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’
19. Samir El Mourabet (Morocco)
Age: 20 Club: Strasbourg Position: Central midfielder Caps: 2 Goals: 0
Like Morocco team-mate Ayyoub Bouaddi, El Mourabet was born in France. And like Bouaddi, El Mourabet has decided against playing for Les Bleus.
This has been the central midfielder’s breakthrough season, with 33 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
20. 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 term, though, after finding an ideal home at Strasbourg. He has played regularly and finished with 12 goals and nine assists to ensure he arrived at this tournament in flying form.
‘We’ve shown we can compete with anyone in South America,’ said Enciso. ‘For me, (representing Paraguay) is everything; it’s my home and my pride.’ However, Enciso’s injury in the 4-0 friendly win over Nicaragua has left a nation holding its breath. His absence would be a huge blow for this team.
Julio Enciso (right) is recapturing his best form with Strasbourg after falling out of favour at Brighton
21. Can Uzun (Turkey)
Age: 20 Club: Eintracht Frankfurt Position: Attacking midfielder Caps: 6 Goals: 1
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 Germany, Uzun chose to represent his the country of his parents, despite the best efforts of Germany great Rudi Voller. ‘We tried it. It was a wonderful conversation with his father and his agent, but in the end you have to accept it,’ he said.
Earlier this season, Uzun scored in five consecutive matches for Eintracht Frankfurt – a rare feat for a teenager. He finished with 10 goals and six assists in 2025-26 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
22. Luka Vuskovic (Croatia)
Age: 19 Club: Tottenham Hotspur Position: Centre back Caps: 5 Goals: 1
Tottenham’s best defender has just had the season of his life. He was one of the outstanding players in his league this season and is currently worth more than £50m. Unfortunately, he did not play a single game for Spurs.
The more Spurs struggled, the more baffling their decision to overlook Vuskovic seemed. At least they managed to avoid relegation last season, which means they may be able to correct their mistake next term. Yet Vuskovic, who excelled on loan at Hamburg, will not be short of suitors.
Right-footed but capable of playing in either centre-back role, Vuskovic has also scored six times this season and started the March friendlies against Colombia and Brazil.
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 has had the season of his life – the only problem is he’s not been playing in north London
23. Petar Sucic (Croatia)
Age: 22 Club: Inter Milan Position: Central midfielder Caps: 16 Goals: 1
Any Croatian midfielder with potential will inevitably be compared to Modric, which feels a little 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 he 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 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
24. 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 on Thursday night, 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.
These days the MLS is a viable route to Europe and Mbokazi, who made his debut for Bafana Bafana a year ago, 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
25. Jens Castrop (South Korea)
Age: 22 Club: Borussia Monchengladbach Position: Wing-back Caps: 7 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
26. Esmir Bajraktarevic (Bosnia-Herzegovina)
Age: 21 Club: PSV Eindhoven Position: Winger Caps: 16 Goals: 1
Italy’s 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 in March.
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 Eindhoven, Bajraktarevic delivered seven goals and five assists this term.
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 in March
27. Ibrahim Maza (Algeria)
Age: 20 Club: Bayer Leverkusen Position: Winger Caps: 15 Goals: 2
The Bayer Leverkusen creator is one of many players who decided to play for the country of their heritage instead of the nation of their birth. If Maza can perform to his potential this summer, Germany’s loss will be Algeria’s gain.
Maza 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 recreate the heights of their stellar title-winning season under Xabi Alonso in 2024, Maza has made good progress. He made 44 appearances in all competitions this season, claiming five goals and seven assists, and first played for Algeria aged 18.
Nagelsmann was disappointed Maza 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
28. 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 victory following Senegal’s decision to walk off the pitch after the hosts were handed a controversial late penalty (subsequently missed by Brahim Diaz). 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 AFCON.
It is no surprise Mbaye does not play regularly for PSG, as he belongs to one of the most powerful clubs in the world. But before too long the winger, who prefers to play on the right but can also operate on the left, will make his mark at club level. Aston Villa would love to sign him.
Senegal could be a surprise package this summer, and do not bet against Mbaye ending the competition as one of the world game’s newest young stars.
Ibrahim Mbaye had a breakthrough season with PSG and is now playing a starring role for Senegal too
29. Abbosbek Fayzullaev (Uzbekistan)
Age: 22 Club: Istanbul Basaksehir Position: Attacking midfielder Caps: 30 Goals: 8
Every country seems to have a player nicknamed ‘Messi’. Some nations and clubs stretch the point more than others but the label 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 seven assists in Turkey, along with eight goals for his country.
Fayzullaev has reportedly called the ‘Uzbek Messi’ moniker – applied by Uzbekistan fans as well as Russian football observers – ‘an honour’ while emphasising that he wishes to establish himself in his own right.
What next for Fayzullaev? If he continues to perform well for Basaksehir, where he plays alongside his countryman Eldor Shomurodov, 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’
30. Kojo Peprah Oppong (Ghana)
Age: 22 Club: Nice Position: Centre back Caps: 4 Goals: 0
Even though they failed to qualify for the Africa Cup of Nations, Ghana will be one of Africa’s representatives 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 spring friendly against Germany but he has since returned to action in Ligue 1 with Nice.
He has the ideal mentor, too. Now 42, Brazilian defender Dante is still playing for Nice 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 previously played in Sweden – a favoured stepping stone for West African players – and his value has climbed to about £10million since moving to France. Last season, he made 43 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
31. 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 in January 2023, the midfielder has since played for Nuremberg and Hull City on loan, before joining Spanish club Racing Santander for £3million last summer and helping their exciting side win promotion to La Liga.
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, did not make the final cut despite his abundant talent.
Puerta will be there, though, and may even get the nod over Richard Rios for the opening game against Uzbekistan. 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
32. Ayyoub Bouaddi (Morocco)
Age: 18 Club: Lille Position: Central midfielder Caps: 3 Goals: 0
The problem for top teenage talents today is that they are all inevitably measured against Lamine Yamal. No matter how good they are, they will struggle to match the achievements of the Barcelona and Spain star, who is arguably the best player in the world.
In another era, there would be far more attention on players like Bouaddi, the elegant midfielder who ran the show against Real Madrid in the Champions League in October 2024. Very few footballers manage that in an entire career, let alone on their 17th birthday.
Like many young players in French football, Bouaddi appears as mature off the pitch as he is on it. With Brigitte Macron, the wife of French president Emmanuel, among the audience, the 15-year-old Bouaddi took part in a public speaking contest, offered to players enrolled in French academies. He has excelled at school, particularly in maths.
Ayyoub Bouaddi has strengthened the Morocco squad by switching allegiance from France
‘I wanted to carry on my studies because it allows me to make the most of my free time, and learn,’ Bouaddi has said. ‘It enables me to keep my mind alert.’
In May, Bouaddi made one of the biggest calls of his young life, choosing to represent Morocco, his parents’ homeland, over his native France.
He would not have made the cut for France this time but his inclusion makes a powerful Morocco squad look even stronger.
