Several famous teenagers have made their mark at the football World Cup, including Pele, who is now regarded as one of football’s all-time greats. Pele was just 17 years old when he helped Brazil secure the World Cup title in 1958.
Similarly, England’s Michael Owen had a significant moment at the age of 18 during the 1998 World Cup. Kylian Mbappe was 19 when he solidified his status as a superstar by leading France to the World Cup title in 2018.
The 2026 tournament is set to feature 22 teenagers, based on the official rosters of the 48 teams released by Fifa.
Some of these young players have already made a name for themselves at top European clubs, including 18-year-old Lamine Yamal and 19-year-old Pau Cubarsí from Spain, both thriving with Barcelona. Meanwhile, Germany’s 18-year-old Lennart Karl recently had a breakout season with Bayern Munich.
Here’s a look at five promising teenagers who could shine during football’s most prestigious event.
1. Gilberto Mora
One of Mexico’s most promising prospects in years, Mora could become the youngest Mexican player to appear in a World Cup at the age of 17. He is currently the youngest player among the rosters of the 48 teams participating in this year’s tournament. The midfielder has been making headlines in Liga MX with Tijuana.
He started for the Mexican team that won the Gold Cup in 2025. In August 2024, Mora became the youngest player to start and score in the Mexican first division at the age of 15. In January 2025, he made history again by being the youngest player to debut for Mexico at 16. Top clubs reportedly scouting the teenager include Real Madrid, Barcelona and several Premier League teams.
2. Yan Diomande
The 19-year-old winger will represent the Ivory Coast at the World Cup after impressing with Leipzig in the German league. He moved to the United States at a young age and excelled in football during secondary school.
Diomande had trials with Major League Soccer teams but ultimately signed with the Spanish club Leganés in 2024. Last year, Leipzig acquired the promising star, and he also made his national team debut at the Africa Cup of Nations.
3. Endrick
The 19-year-old striker will have a chance to shine with Brazil after finishing the season with Lyon in the French league.
Endrick flourished with Brazilian club Palmeiras before moving to Real Madrid. He had a rough start with the Spanish powerhouse and was sent on loan to Lyon, where he thrived last season.
It was enough for new Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti to include him on the World Cup squad, where he will compete with the likes of Neymar, Vinícius Júnior, Raphinha and another up-and-coming teenager, 19-year-old Rayan, who impressed in his first Premier League season.
4. Ibrahim Mbaye
The 18-year-old Mbaye became the youngest Senegalese goalscorer in the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year, helping Senegal reach the final at just 17 years of age.
A product of Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) Academy, he made his French league debut at 16 in 2024. Last year, he also made his Champions League debut and has been receiving increased playing time with PSG this season, contributing to their success in the prestigious European competition they won.
5. Kendry Paez
The 19-year-old attacking midfielder has been a regular with Ecuador.
Chelsea struck a deal in 2023 to sign Paez from Ecuadorian club Independiente del Valle when he turned 18 in 2025. Chelsea loaned him to French club Strasbourg last year, and he is currently playing on loan with Argentine powerhouse River Plate.
A strong World Cup is likely to bring Paez, who is known for his nifty dribbling and explosive changes of pace, back to Europe.
