These 5 Players Will Own the 2026 World Cup

Mbappé won 2018. Enzo Fernández won 2022. This World Cup has a new name ready to explode and most people have never heard of him.

Meet Yan Diomande, the 19-year-old Ivory Coast sensation who's been tearing up the Bundesliga with RB Leipzig. With 20 goal involvements last season, he's the real deal. And he's not the only one Nico Paz, Kenan Yildiz, Esmir Bajraktarevic, and Nico O'Reilly are all set to make their mark on the world stage.

Nico Paz, the 21-year-old Argentine midfielder, scored 12 goals in Serie A last season, more than any other midfielder in Italy's top flight. He was let go by Real Madrid in 2024, but he's about to make them regret it. Kenan Yildiz, the Turkish No.10, is widely tipped to succeed Lionel Messi as the next great playmaker. Esmir Bajraktarevic, the US-born Bosnian winger, tore apart UEFA qualifiers and earned Man of the Match in Bosnia's knockout win over Italy. And Nico O'Reilly, the English versatile player, has been playing over 50 matches under Pep Guardiola this season with 9 goals and 6 assists.

These players are the future of football, and they're about to take the World Cup by storm. So, who will be the one to own the 2026 World Cup? Only time will tell, but one thing's for sure — it's going to be an exciting tournament.

And speaking of exciting tournaments, let's take a look at what's been happening in the world of football this week. Bayern Munich are interested in signing Liverpool's 17-year-old winger Rio Ngumoha, and Stockport County have appointed Rochdale boss Jim McNulty as their new manager on a three-year deal. But amidst all the transfer news and managerial appointments, it's the young players who are really making waves.

As we approach the World Cup, it's worth looking back at some of the memorable moments in football history that have happened around this time of year. But for now, let's focus on the future and the 5 players who are about to take the world by storm.