The 2026 FIFA World Cup promises to be exciting across the three host countries— the United States of America, Mexico, and Canada.

There’ll be no shortage of scintillating skills displayed by some of the best under-23 stars, who would have many World Cup appearances ahead.

These youngsters have been touted as Ballon d’Or favourites due to the potential they possess.

1. Lamine Yamal, FW, Spain

At 18, Yamal is the outstanding player of his generation, arguably even the world’s best, regardless of age. Usually more comfortable starting from the right wing, he’s a lot more than a winger. He, however, needs to work on the defensive aspect of his game.

2. João Neves, CM, Portugal

Neves gives Portugal some crucial elements that every winning side needs. He’s quick and alert, precise with the ball under pressure and tireless without the ball.

3. Arda Güler, AM, Türkiye

Güler is technically brilliant — blessed with a remarkable touch and close control — and with his excellent scanning of play and quick brain, he can set up the next action before anyone has figured out his intentions. He can unlock a game in a flash, so for Türkiye it is a matter of getting him on the ball as much as possible.

4. Nico Paz, AM, Argentina

Usually working as a No. 10 behind the striker, he drifts out to the left to open up passing lanes and shooting angles. While his superb first touch often buys him time, his bursts of pace can unbalance defenders and his through balls are expedited with millimetric accuracy. However, his most outstanding weapon is his shooting and when he finds space he connects with the ball so cleanly with his left foot.

5. Désiré Doué, FW, France

Doué combines with his teammates quickly, slides past defenders via exceptional balance and body control rather than pure speed, and he has become a good finisher. Doué has proved that his imagination, unpredictability and the knack of showing up in big occasions could be key.

6. Yan Diomande, FW, Ivory Coast

A winger with real edge to his game, Diomande relies on short bursts of acceleration, sharp changes of direction and an insatiable appetite to take on defenders. Usually starting from the right flank, he can beat opponents with either foot, keep his balance through challenges, and then has the sense of orientation to pick the right pass when he’s under pressure.

7. Rayan, FW, Brazil

Rayan’s game is still developing, but he is strong in contact, fast over long distances, and dangerous in transition with the ball at his feet. For a Brazil side that can become heavy with possession specialists, he does offer a more direct option.

8. Nico O’Reilly, LB/CM, England

While most of his games came from left back, his style still carries the behavior of a midfielder. He receives the ball so well in tight spaces, carries it forward at speed, drifts intelligently into space and knows when to attack the box. Out of possession, he covers ground extremely quickly, uses his body well, and has the stamina to defend large spaces.

9. Ayyoub Bouaddi, DM, Morocco

Still only 18, the midfielder made his Lille debut only three days after turning 16 and he already looks unusually mature — he carries a certain aura on the pitch — for a holding midfielder. Usually deployed as a deep-lying No. 6 in a double pivot, he gives Morocco ball-winning capabilities, neat circulation of possession, and forward passes that connect the buildup with the attacking players.

10. Caleb Marfo Yirenkyi, DM/CM/RB, Ghana

After impressing in his debut for the Black Stars at the 2025 Unity Cup, the 20-year-old has become a mainstay in the team. Often deployed at the right-back position by ex-Ghana coach Otto Addo, he now plays as a central midfielder under new coach Carlos Queiroz, highlighting his versatility.