World Cup stories: The five young players set to shine at the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Argentina enter the competition in the United States, Mexico and Canada as champions and will be striving to emulate Italy and Brazil, as the only countries to retain their titles.

Lionel Messi was awarded the Golden Ball accolade for being the best player in Qatar 2022, while Enzo Fernández was the breakout star and was named the best young player.

There are a host of stars aiming to follow in Fernandez's footsteps, but which five players are we most excited about seeing at this year's World Cup?

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Nico Paz - Argentina (21)

Argentina have a long history of producing world-class players, including Messi, Diego Maradona and Sergio Aguero, and now the mantle will be passed to Nico Paz.

Since departing Real Madrid's academy for Como, the 21-year-old has developed into a stellar attacking-midfielder, notching 13 goals and eight assists as his club qualified for the Champions League for the first time in their history.

What makes Paz so impressive is his ability to glide past players with ease, his composure under pressure and nous to pick out a killer pass, which could be crucial to Lionel Scaloni's side.

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Arda Guler - Turkey (21)

One of several players who made an impact at Euro 2024 and is primed to set the World Cup alight is Turkey's Arda Guler, who is fast becoming the player he was destined to be.

The 21-year-old bagged a goal and two assists in Germany as he became his country's talisman and already has 28 caps, looking a natural on the international stage.

This season, the attacking-midfielder has nailed down a starting berth at Real Madrid, which is no easy feat, with 20 goal contributions in all competitions.

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Lamine Yamal - Spain (18)

It feels almost wrong putting Lamine Yamal's name on this list after all that he has achieved, but at 18, he enters the tournament as the brightest young spark in world football.

At just 16, the wonderkid took the Euros by storm, earning him the Young Player of the Tournament award after he bagged one goal and four assists, including one against England in the final.

At club level, the teenager enjoyed his best campaign with Barcelona, with 24 goals and 18 assists, and he can turn a game on its head with just the drop of a shoulder.

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Nico O'Reilly - England (21)

Not many would have predicted Nico O'Reilly to have nailed down a place in Thomas Tuchel's XI, but after a phenomenal breakout season with Manchester City, he is set to start as England's first-choice left-back.

O'Reilly's attacking ability has made him a versatile member of Pep Guardiola's team, comfortably slotting into central-midfield when called upon, and that will appeal to his international manager.

The 21-year-old has contributed nine goals and six assists in all competitions, and his heading ability sets him apart from others in his primary position.

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Yan Diomande - Ivory Coast (19)

World Cups provide the ideal stage for upcoming talent to showcase their ability, and one man who is already in demand is RB Leipzig's Yan Diomande.

The Ivory Coast gem has flourished in the Bundesliga this season since moving from Spanish side CD Leganes, producing 13 goals and 10 assists in all competitions.

It is no wonder that the winger, who can occupy both flanks, has been tipped to replace Mohamed Salah at Liverpool this summer, and supporters can expect his explosive dribbling and acceleration to cause defenders all sorts of problems at the World Cup.

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