Each World Cup produces a breakout name — Enzo Fernández in Qatar, Kylian Mbappé in Russia, James Rodríguez in Brazil. With the tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico approaching, time is running out for young hopefuls to force their way into squads. Here are the players who could be “next up.”
Lennart Karl
Nation: Germany | Club: Bayern Munich | Age: 18 | Position: Attacking midfielder
Karl has burst onto the senior scene after a stunning run with Bayern. He missed the call from Germany boss Julian Nagelsmann because he was in a tutoring session, then impressed after coming off the bench in a 4-3 win over Switzerland and starting the second half against Ghana. With eight goals and five assists in 35 senior appearances despite his recent introduction to first-team football, Karl combines a left-footed glide past opponents, composure in front of goal and maturity beyond his years. Nagelsmann hailed him as the best impression from recent youth call-ups. Karl refuses to pressure himself, but he has put his name on the radar for the summer.
Nico Paz
Nation: Argentina | Club: Como (Real Madrid buy-back) | Age: 21 | Position: Attacking midfielder
A Real Madrid academy product, Paz has thrived at Como under Cesc Fàbregas and carries a buy-back clause reportedly around £8m. He is an Argentina regular who operates across the front line, capable of driving into space to score or create. With 11 goals and six assists this season and a memorable free-kick for Argentina, Paz looks set for a return to the Bernabéu and a prominent role for La Albiceleste as Messi’s future becomes more uncertain.
Endrick
Nation: Brazil | Club: Lyon (loan from Real Madrid) | Age: 19 | Position: Forward
Once hailed as Brazil’s next great No. 9, Endrick’s Madrid progress stalled, prompting a loan to Lyon. There he revived his stock with six goals and five assists in 14 games and earned a national team recall. He turned a friendly with Croatia by winning a penalty and setting up a late goal in a 3-1 win, showing the urgency that made him a hot prospect. Not yet a certainty for the World Cup, Endrick still has time to reclaim the trajectory that once made him a generational prospect.
Rayan
Nation: Brazil | Club: Bournemouth | Age: 19 | Position: Winger
Signed in January to soften the loss of Antoine Semenyo, Rayan arrived from Vasco da Gama and quickly became a Premier League revelation, scoring and assisting early on and starting most matches since his move. His performances earned a Brazil call-up, though he faces fierce competition from Vinícius Júnior and Raphinha. Bournemouth protected him with an £87m release clause; at his current trajectory, such a fee may soon look justified.
Kees Smit
Nation: Netherlands | Club: AZ Alkmaar | Age: 19 | Position: Midfielder
Smit has accelerated from AZ’s academy into the first team and into Ronald Koeman’s thinking for the national side, starting in a 2-1 win over Norway. Comfortable in tight spaces and keen to progress the ball, Smit has drawn comparisons to Pedri for his vision, two-footedness and change of direction. With top clubs reportedly watching, a place in the Netherlands’ World Cup plans could be within reach.
Nico O’Reilly
Nation: England | Club: Manchester City | Age: 21 | Position: Left-back / Midfielder
O’Reilly has filled a longstanding England need at left-back after stepping into the role at Manchester City. Having started as a creative midfielder in City’s academy, he now offers versatility and set-piece threat, scoring eight times this season and producing decisive moments such as a Carabao Cup final brace. England’s manager has considered him for the World Cup XI; his height, aerial presence and ability to play centrally or wide add to his appeal.
Luka Vuskovic
Nation: Croatia | Club: Tottenham (on loan at Hamburg) | Age: 19 | Position: Centre-back
Vuskovic has emerged as one of Europe’s most promising defenders, excelling on loan at Hamburg and becoming a standout for Croatia in recent friendlies. His five Bundesliga goals underline his threat from set-pieces; he also became Croatia’s second-youngest goalscorer. If Tottenham’s future is uncertain, big clubs may move for him, but for the World Cup he looks likely to be included in Croatia’s plans.
Franco Mastantuono
Nation: Argentina | Club: Real Madrid | Age: 18 | Position: Attacking midfielder
Signed from River Plate for a significant fee, Mastantuono became Argentina’s youngest-ever player but has found the first season at Real Madrid challenging. A sending-off against Getafe drew criticism and he fell down the pecking order after managerial change, yet Lionel Scaloni has shown patience, giving him a late call-up in March and some minutes. With four senior caps, he remains a long-term prospect whose World Cup inclusion will depend on a strong end to the season.
Max Dowman
Nation: England | Club: Arsenal | Age: 16 | Position: Attacking midfielder
Dowman became the Premier League’s youngest-ever scorer in a cameo against Everton and has produced jaw-dropping solo goals for youth internationals. Thomas Tuchel has kept the door open for him, but at 16 and without a Premier League start, a World Cup spot seems premature. If injuries or form at Arsenal open opportunities, he could force a conversation, but for now his selection would be a bold gamble.
Yan Diomande
Nation: Ivory Coast | Club: RB Leipzig | Age: 19 | Position: Winger
Diomande is a direct wide forward with 10 goals and six assists in 26 Bundesliga appearances. He played most games for Ivory Coast at AFCON and scored in the knockout stages, proving his readiness for big tournaments. With Ivory Coast drawn alongside Germany, Ecuador and Curaçao, Diomande’s pace and finishing make him a key asset for their World Cup push and a player attracting attention from elite European clubs.
Said El Mala
Nation: Germany | Club: FC Köln | Age: 19 | Position: Winger
El Mala’s profile — tall, powerful, right-footed inside forward — has drawn lofty comparisons, and after a breakthrough season with 10 goals and three assists in 27 Bundesliga games he’s on many scouts’ lists. Linked with Chelsea, Barcelona, Bayern and others, his blend of directness, power and technical ability has made him a regular starter and a name to watch at the World Cup.
These youngsters come in various stages of development: some are establishing themselves at elite clubs, some are regaining form after setbacks, and others are on the cusp of senior breakthroughs. For national team managers finalising squads, the choice between experience and potential will define who gets the chance to become the next World Cup star.