FIFA World Cup 2026: 10 Teenagers Making Their Debut

The World Cup is known as a platform where players who are still in their teens can get their career changed in just one night. The list of past legends and present stars includes young footballers who have taken the tournament as the platform to showcase their talents.

FIFA World Cup 2026 will bring in a fresh batch of teenagers, who will try their luck at football’s grandest event for the first time.

Here are ten teenage players you should watch closely at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

Teenage Players to Watch at the FIFA World Cup 2026

Player	Country	Age	Position
Luke Brooke-Smith	New Zealand	17	Attacker
Pau Cubarsí	Spain	18	Centre-back
Yan Diomandé	Côte d’Ivoire	19	Forward
Estêvão	Brazil	18	Winger
Lennart Karl	Germany	17	Attacking Midfielder
Franco Mastantuono	Argentina	18	Winger
Gilberto Mora	Mexico	18	Midfielder
Ibrahim Mbaye	Senegal	19	Winger
Kendry Páez	Ecuador	18	Attacking Midfielder
Lamine Yamal	Spain	18	Winger

10 Teenagers Making Their Debut At The FIFA World Cup 2026

1. Luke Brooke-Smith (New Zealand)

Luke Brooke-Smith is one of the youngest attacking options in the New Zealand national team as they gear up for FIFA World Cup 2026 after a long time. At only 17 years of age, he has already participated in senior international competitions and in the major youth tournaments.

He is fast, self-assured with the ball, and enjoys taking the defenders on one-on-one. If you watch him coming in from the bench, be ready for energy and unpredictability instead of caution.

2. Pau Cubarsí (Spain)

Pau Cubarsí has progressed unbelievably fast. He is still only 18 years old, but he is already a reliable defender accepted at club and international level. He is composed in stressful situations, can play from the back easily and anticipates the danger quite well.

If selected, you will probably see him in crucial matches at the FIFA World Cup 2026, even though he is very young, which speaks volumes about his maturity.

3. Yan Diomandé (Côte d’Ivoire)

The development of Yan Diomandé was rapid and sudden. He was able to demonstrate his talent at the club level and immediately transferred it to the international arena where he was one of the main factors in his country’s qualification.

His style of play is characterized by being direct, aggressive, and always looking to either score or assist. It is very likely that he will be used as a high-impact offensive option, particularly when his team is in need of goals.

4. Estêvão (Brazil)

Estêvão has already proven his ability to face pressure at the very top level. He operates on the wing, confidently beating defenders, and he has a very good goal sense.

Even though he is very young, he has regularly been a major contributor for both his club and the national team. If Brazil requires some creativity or a little spark on the wing, among the teenagers he is probably the most trusted one.

5. Lennart Karl (Germany)

Lennart Karl is still waiting for his senior international debut, but his club performances have made him impossible to ignore. At 17, he already plays with confidence, flair, and purpose. He can score goals and create chances from advanced positions.

If called up at the FIFA World Cup 2026, you should see him used as a flexible attacking option rather than a traditional winger.

6. Franco Mastantuono (Argentina)

Franco Mastantuono has adapted quickly to elite-level football. Even with strong competition around him, he earned regular minutes and showed composure beyond his years. He can play wide, link play, and finish chances when needed.

If Argentina rotate their squad at the FIFA World Cup 2026, he is well placed to feature without disrupting the team’s balance.

7. Gilberto Mora (Mexico)

Gilberto Mora has managed to break age records already during his early adolescents. He has technical skills, is able to make the right choices with the ball, and is comfortable connecting mid and forward players.

Hardly do you see him getting panicky with the ball at his feet. In the case Mexico leans on him, it will be for the purpose of control and smart decision-making rather than raw speed.

8. Ibrahim Mbaye (Senegal)

Ibrahim Mbaye has not only played but also made it to the history books at the continental level by being one of the youngest goal scorers in major African tournaments. He has the ability to dribble very well, likes to take on defenders and create space for his teammates.

We might see him at the FIFA World Cup 2026 as a direct attacking threat, especially in games that are opened up.

9. Kendry Páez (Ecuador)

Kendry Páez has been on the international scene longer than most teenagers. Even though he is small, he plays with confidence, creativity, and vision. He has already proved that he can score in difficult qualifiers. If Ecuador require creativity in midfield, Páez will probably be the one playing the major role.

10. Lamine Yamal (Spain)

It is easy to forget that Lamine Yamal is still just a kid. He plays with the confidence of a veteran and constantly causes difficulties for the defenders in the top league. He is quick, brave, and very talented; he might get to the World Cup on the edge of making history. If Spain makes it through the tournament, be prepared to see Yamal as one of the key players.

Final Thoughts

Teenagers rarely arrive at a World Cup just to make up the numbers anymore. These players are not there to learn quietly from the sidelines. Each of them has already proven they can handle pressure, and the FIFA World Cup 2026 could be where you see the next global stars truly announce themselves.

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