More Rising Stars: 2026 World Cup's Hidden Gems
Continue your journey through the top young talent set to light up the 2026 World Cup. These prospects are ready to surprise the world this summer.
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In part two of our series, we're taking a look at the next five incredible young players who are set to make their mark on the 2026 World Cup. From history-making teens to experienced midfield maestros, these players are ready to show the world what they can do.
Nico O'Reilly
Standing at 1.93 meters tall, Nico O'Reilly has solved a long-standing problem for the England national team: the search for a reliable left-back. This versatile player has been a revelation for Manchester City, breaking into the first team and delivering consistent performances week in and week out.
This season, O'Reilly has already scored 8 goals for City, including a stunning brace in the League Cup final against Arsenal. Pep Guardiola has described his performances as "incredible", highlighting his ability to contribute both defensively and going forward. His attacking threat makes him a key tactical weapon for England, as they look to unlock opposition defenses.
Désiré Doué
Désiré Doué first caught the world's attention with his man-of-the-match performance in last season's Champions League final, proving that he thrives under the biggest pressure. Even with France's incredibly deep talent pool, including stars like Warren Zaïre-Emery and Bradley Barcola, Doué has managed to stand out.
In a recent friendly against Colombia, Doue showed exactly what he can do, scoring two goals to lead France to victory. His ability to step up when it matters most, combined with his incredible work rate and technical skill, makes him the perfect candidate to lead France's attack as they look to defend their title in 2026.
Pedri
While he may no longer be the new kid on the block, at 23 years old, Pedri still fits perfectly into the "rising star" category. As the heartbeat of the Spanish national team, Pedri has been the engine that has driven Spain's success over the past few years, including helping Barcelona win two consecutive La Liga titles.
After recovering from a series of injury setbacks, Pedri is back to his best, ready to lead Spain's charge in the 2026 World Cup. Alongside his Barcelona teammate Lamine Yamal, they form a deadly partnership that could be the driving force behind Spain's bid for World Cup glory.
Franco Mastantuono
The youngest goalscorer in the history of the Copa Libertadores, Franco Mastantuono is a player with incredible natural talent. Blessed with the flair of a typical Brazilian player combined with the mental toughness of an Argentine, he has all the attributes to become a world-class star.
While Real Madrid's first team has been inconsistent this season, Mastantuono has caught the eye of Argentina manager Lionel Scaloni, who is planning to use him as a secret weapon in the 2026 World Cup. This 18-year-old could be the wildcard that helps Argentina go all the way and defend their title.
Max Dowman
At just 16 years old, Max Dowman is set to make history if he is selected for England's 2026 World Cup squad. If he gets the call up, he will break Wayne Rooney's record as the youngest player to ever feature for England at a World Cup, a record that has stood for nearly 20 years.
This once-in-a-generation talent has an incredible goalscoring ability, with a eye for goal that has drawn comparisons to some of the game's greatest strikers. While he may be young, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has never been shy about giving young players a chance, and his selection for the World Cup squad would already be a testament to just how special this young man is.
Get Ready For The Tournament
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the youngest player to watch at the 2026 World Cup?
Max Dowman, at just 16 years old, is set to become the youngest player to ever represent England at the World Cup if he makes the squad, breaking a nearly 20-year-old record held by Wayne Rooney.
Where can I find gear to support these rising stars?
At Jersey Chest, we have a curated collection of 2026 World Cup inspired soccer kits that let you show your support for your favorite teams and players. Explore our full collection here.
Can these young players help their teams win the World Cup?
Absolutely. These players have already proven they can perform at the highest level, and they bring fresh energy and creativity to their national teams. Many experts believe this new generation could lead their nations to glory in 2026.