The World Cup has long served as a launchpad for football’s brightest young talents, transforming promising teenagers into global superstars. Legendary figures such as Pelé, who at just 17 years old spearheaded Brazil to World Cup glory in 1958, and Kylian Mbappé, who cemented his superstar status by leading France to the title in 2018 aged 19, exemplify this phenomenon. Two decades earlier, England’s Michael Owen enjoyed a coming-of-age moment as an 18-year-old at the 1998 tournament in France.The upcoming 2026 tournament is set to continue this tradition, with Fifa’s official rosters for the 48 participating teams revealing that 22 teenagers are expected to feature. Among them are several who have already established themselves at Europe’s elite clubs, including Barcelona’s 18-year-old Lamine Yamal and 19-year-old Pau Cubarsí, both of whom have been thriving. Germany’s 18-year-old Lennart Karl also enjoyed a breakthrough season with Bayern Munich.Kylian Mbappe won the World Cup at just 19 in 2018 (Getty)Beyond the teenage contingent, a host of other young talents, though slightly older, are poised to make their World Cup debuts. This group includes 20-year-old Warren Zaïre-Emery and 21-year-old Désiré Doué, both France internationals who have become regulars for two-time defending Champions League winners Paris Saint-Germain.Further 21-year-olds who have been making waves and could debut at the tournament include Manchester City’s Nico O’Reilly and Real Madrid’s Arda Güler. Nico Paz, another 21-year-old, earned a spot in Argentina’s World Cup squad after excelling with Como in the Italian league, helping the club secure Champions League qualification for the first time.Here’s a closer look at five up-and-coming teenagers who could deliver breakthrough performances on football’s grandest stage:Gilberto Mora Considered one of Mexico’s most exciting prospects in years, Mora could become the youngest Mexican player to appear in a World Cup at just 17. He is currently the youngest player across all 48 teams listed for the tournament. The midfielder has been making significant strides in Liga MX with Tijuana and started for the Mexico team that clinched the Gold Cup in 2025. In August 2024, he became the youngest player to start and score in the Mexican first division at 15, followed by his national team debut at 16 in January 2025. Top clubs including Real Madrid, Barcelona, and several Premier League sides are reportedly scouting the teenager.Yan Diomande The 19-year-old winger is set to star for Ivory Coast at the World Cup, following impressive displays with RB Leipzig in the German league. Diomande moved to the United States at a young age, excelling in high school football in Florida. After trials with Major League Soccer teams Colorado and Charlotte, he joined Spanish club Leganes in 2024. Leipzig quickly signed the promising talent last year, and he subsequently made his national team debut, featuring in the Africa Cup of Nations.Yan Diomande could shine at the World Cup (Getty)Endrick This 19-year-old striker will have a prime opportunity to shine for Brazil, having concluded the season strongly with Lyon in the French league. Endrick initially thrived with Brazilian club Palmeiras before his highly anticipated move to Real Madrid. After a challenging start with the Spanish giants, he was loaned to Lyon, where he rediscovered his form this past season. His performances were enough to convince new Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti to include him in the World Cup squad, where he will compete for a spot alongside established stars like Neymar, Vinícius Júnior, and Raphinha, as well as another promising teenager, 19-year-old Rayan, who impressed during his debut Premier League season with Bournemouth.Endrick finished the season strongly and could make an impact for Brazil (AP)Ibrahim Mbaye The 18-year-old Mbaye made history earlier this year by becoming the youngest Senegalese goal scorer in the Africa Cup of Nations, helping his nation reach the final when he was 17. The forward, a product of PSG’s academy, made his French league debut as a 16-year-old in 2024. He also debuted in the Champions League last year and progressively earned more playing time with PSG this season, including in the top European club competition, which the French club ultimately won.Kendry Páez The 19-year-old attacking midfielder has become a regular for Ecuador. Chelsea secured a deal in 2023 to sign Páez from Ecuadorean club Independiente del Valle when he turns 18 in 2025. Chelsea then loaned him to French club Strasbourg last year, and he is currently on loan with Argentine powerhouse River Plate. A strong World Cup performance is expected to pave the way for Páez, renowned for his exquisite dribbling and explosive changes of pace, to return to Europe.