Every World Cup unveils new stars — Enzo Fernández, Kylian Mbappé, James Rodríguez among them. With the tournament in the USA, Canada and Mexico approaching, young players have limited time to force their way into squads. Below are the promising prospects most likely to push for places this summer.
Lennart Karl (Germany — Bayern Munich, 18, attacking midfielder): Karl exploded into senior football after impressive minutes for Bayern. He missed an early national call because he was in a tutoring session, then made an impact off the bench in a 4-3 win over Switzerland and started against Ghana. With eight goals and five assists in 35 senior appearances, his left-footed dribble, composure and maturity have put him on Julian Nagelsmann’s radar as one of the best recent youth impressions.
Nico Paz (Argentina — Como; Real Madrid buy-back, 21, attacking midfielder): A Real Madrid academy product thriving under Cesc Fàbregas at Como, Paz reportedly carries a modest buy-back clause. Comfortable across the front line, he can drive into space to score or create; this season he has 11 goals and six assists and produced a memorable free-kick for Argentina. That form makes a Bernabéu return and a growing role for La Albiceleste plausible as Argentina plans beyond Messi.
Endrick (Brazil — Lyon on loan from Real Madrid, 19, forward): Once touted as Brazil’s next top No. 9, Endrick’s path at Madrid stalled and he moved on loan to Lyon, where he rediscovered form with six goals and five assists in 14 games. He earned a national recall and showed urgency against Croatia, winning a penalty and setting up a late goal in a 3-1 friendly win. He is not yet a certainty for the World Cup but has time to reclaim the trajectory he once promised.
Rayan (Brazil — Bournemouth, 19, winger): Signed to soften Antoine Semenyo’s departure, Rayan arrived from Vasco da Gama and quickly made a Premier League impact, contributing goals and assists and starting regularly. His early form prompted a Brazil call-up despite stiff competition from Vinícius Júnior and Raphinha; Bournemouth have protected him with an £87m release clause, a figure that could look reasonable if his development continues.
Kees Smit (Netherlands — AZ Alkmaar, 19, midfielder): Smit has moved rapidly from AZ’s academy into the first team and into Ronald Koeman’s thinking after starting in a 2-1 win over Norway. Comfortable in tight spaces, two-footed and creative, he has drawn comparisons to Pedri for his vision and change of direction. With scouts watching, a role in the Netherlands’ World Cup plans seems attainable.
Nico O’Reilly (England — Manchester City, 21, left-back/midfielder): Originally a creative midfielder, O’Reilly has filled a long-standing England need at left-back for Manchester City while retaining the ability to play centrally. He offers set-piece threat and versatility, scoring eight times this season and producing decisive moments including a Carabao Cup final brace. His height, aerial presence and adaptability have put him into contention for a World Cup spot.
Luka Vuskovic (Croatia — Tottenham; on loan at Hamburg, 19, centre-back): Vuskovic has emerged as one of Europe’s most promising young defenders while on loan at Hamburg, becoming noticeable in recent friendlies for Croatia. His five Bundesliga goals underline set-piece threat, and he became Croatia’s second-youngest senior goalscorer. Whether he returns to Tottenham or attracts other suitors, he appears likely to be part of Croatia’s tournament plans.
Franco Mastantuono (Argentina — Real Madrid, 18, attacking midfielder): Signed from River Plate and briefly Argentina’s youngest-ever player, Mastantuono has had a difficult first season at Real Madrid, dropping down the pecking order and earning criticism after a sending-off. Lionel Scaloni has remained patient, handing him a late call-up in March and some minutes. With four senior caps, his World Cup hopes depend on a strong finish to the club season.
Max Dowman (England — Arsenal, 16, attacking midfielder): Dowman became the Premier League’s youngest scorer in a cameo and has produced spectacular goals at youth level. Thomas Tuchel has kept the door ajar, but at 16 and without a Premier League start, a World Cup inclusion would be highly premature. He remains a long-term prospect who could force debate if injuries or form swings open opportunities.
Yan Diomande (Ivory Coast — RB Leipzig, 19, winger): A direct wide forward, Diomande has 10 goals and six assists in 26 Bundesliga games and was influential for Ivory Coast at AFCON, scoring in the knockout stages. With the Elephants drawn alongside Germany, Ecuador and Curaçao, his pace and finishing make him a potential key figure for their World Cup campaign and a target for big European clubs.
Said El Mala (Germany — FC Köln, 19, winger): El Mala’s tall, powerful profile and right-footed inside-forward play have produced 10 goals and three assists in 27 Bundesliga outings. Linked with top clubs, his blend of directness, physicality and technique has turned him into a regular starter and a name likely to feature in Germany’s squad discussions.
These youngsters are at different points: establishing themselves at elite clubs, regaining form after setbacks, or on the cusp of senior breakthroughs. For national managers finalising squads, balancing experience with potential will decide which of these players get the chance to become the next World Cup breakout star.