It is hard to believe, but the 2026 FIFA World Cup is upon us.

From June 11 to July 19, 48 teams will compete for the trophy, which is made of 18-karat gold. At stadiums in Canada, the United States and Mexico, fans will see the game’s biggest stars, surprise names and rising talents.

There will be eyes on the likes of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Kylian Mbappe, Harry Kane, Neymar and more. But eyes will also be on players 23 and under who are on the verge of breaking out, or already have.

Let’s go over some of the best Under-23 players to watch at the World Cup.

#1: Lamine Yamal: Spain

He is the obvious one.

At just 18 years old, Lamine Yamal is already one of the best in the world.

Yamal is coming off a La Liga-winning season with Barcelona, where he scored 16 goals and tallied 11 assists in 28 games. He is known for scoring screamers, excellent dribbling, passing and crosses with the outside of his foot. (known as a trivela)

Yamal is rightfully the heavy favourite to win the World Cup’s Best Young Player Award. Past winners include Enzo Fernandez, Kylian Mbappe, Thomas Müller and Lucas Podolski.

Spain are widely seen as the favourites to win the World Cup and expect Yamal to play a huge role.

#2: Désiré Doué: France

Since he joined PSG from Rennes in 2024, Désiré Doué has emerged as one of the best young players in the world.

The 21-year-old has already won the UEFA Champions League twice, Ligue 1 twice, the  Coupe de France, the UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Continental Cup with PSG.

Doué is part of the best attack in European soccer with fellow France teammate Ousmane Dembele and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia. He is known for his elite dribbling, creativity, flair and soccer IQ.

Doué is part of a French attack that includes Dembele, Mbappe, Michael Olise, Bradley Barcola, Jean-Philippe Mateta and Rayan Cherki. Wow.

With Doué, France are also contenders to win the World Cup.

#3: Arda Güler: Turkey

Arda Güler has emerged as one of the best young players in the world due to his ability to play as a winger or central attacking midfielder, as well as his creativity and set-piece ability.

The 21-year-old Real Madrid winger was key to Turkey’s run to the quarterfinals at the 2024 UEFA Euros. He was the first teenager to score at the Euros since Ronaldo in 2004.

Güler was also this past season’s UCL Young Player of the Season. He scored two goals and provided four assists.

Turkey is seen as one of the World Cup’s dark horses, and Güler is expected to be one of the players that leads the way.

#4: Kenan Yildiz: Turkey

Sticking with Turkey, they have another young player to watch.

21-year-old Kenan Yildiz was born in Germany to a Turkish father and German mother. However, he has chosen to represent Turkey.

Yildiz made his professional debut with Juventus in 2023. But the 2025-26 season was his breakout year. He won Serie A player of the month in August, was named the Serie A Rising Star of the Month in November and March and was named Serie A Rising Star of the Season.

It was hard not to see why. Yildiz scored 10 goals and tallied six assists in 36 Serie A games. The winger/CAM is an excellent passer and has a solid shot from outside the box.

He and Güler will look to lead Turkey’s attack.

#5: Yan Diomande: Côte d’Ivoire

Yan Diomande is a name big clubs are looking at.

The 19-year-old RB Leipzig winger has been linked to clubs such as PSG, Bayern Munich, Real Madrid, Liverpool, Manchester United and Chelsea. Diomande has impressed fans and pundits with his explosive pace, solid dribbling and playmaking, as well as his tactical versatility. What makes Diomande unique is that he is excellent with both his right and left foot.

With 12 goals and eight assists in 33 Bundesliga games with Leipzig, it is no wonder why Diomande is linked to bigger clubs. He could be this World Cup’s breakout star. If he chooses to leave Leipzig after the tournament, he will go for a hefty fee, especially if he does well. Diomande’s current market value is 90 million Euros according to Transfermarkt.

#6: Pau Cubarsi: Spain

This list has been full of attackers, but we’ll end it with a defender.

19-year-old Pau Cubarsi has already emerged as one of the world’s best defenders. In 2025, ESPN named him the sixth-best centre-back in soccer. He’ll definitely be in the top 10, or rather, top five, for 2026.

Cubarsi is an elite ball-playing centre-back. His passes are on point. The Barcelona defender is also very calm, composed and intelligent at the back, as he often makes interceptions and anticipates attacks.

Cubarsi is going to be a huge part of Spain’s backline. At just 19, he has already emerged as a leader.

Which other young players are you looking forward to watching at the World Cup? Let us know! Area 51 Sports Network and the Terminal City FC podcast will provide extensive coverage.