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5 Up-And-Coming Teenagers Who Could Emerge at the World Cup

Brazil's forward Endrick attends a training session at the Granja Comary training center in Teresopolis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on May 29, 2026, ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026. (AFP)
Brazil's forward Endrick attends a training session at the Granja Comary training center in Teresopolis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on May 29, 2026, ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026. (AFP)
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5 Up-And-Coming Teenagers Who Could Emerge at the World Cup

Brazil's forward Endrick attends a training session at the Granja Comary training center in Teresopolis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on May 29, 2026, ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026. (AFP)
Brazil's forward Endrick attends a training session at the Granja Comary training center in Teresopolis, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on May 29, 2026, ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2026. (AFP)

Some famous teenagers have had their breakthrough moment at the World Cup, including Pelé, who became one of football's all-time greats.

Pelé was 17 when he helped lead Brazil to the World Cup title in 1958. Kylian Mbappé was 19 when he cemented his superstar credentials by leading France to the World Cup title in 2018. Two decades earlier, England's Michael Owen had a coming-of-age moment as an 18-year-old at the 1998 World Cup in France.

The 2026 tournament will feature 22 teenagers, according to the official rosters of the 48 teams published by FIFA.

A few of them have already established themselves with top European clubs, including 18-year-old Lamine Yamal and 19-year-old Pau Cubarsí, the Spaniards who have been thriving with Barcelona for some time. Germany's 18-year-old Lennart Karl just had his breakthrough season with Bayern Munich.

Other already established players are older than 19 but are set to make their first World Cup appearances, including 20-year-old Warren Zaïre-Emery and 21-year-old Désiré Doué, the France internationals who have been regulars with two-time defending Champions League winner Paris Saint-Germain.

Other 21-year-olds who have been around for some time but will possibly debut at the tournament include England's Nico O’Reilly of Manchester City and Türkiye's Arda Güler of Real Madrid. Nico Paz, another 21-year-old, made Argentina’s World Cup squad after thriving with Como in the Italian league, helping the club qualify for the Champions League for the first time.

Here’s a look at five up-and-coming teenagers who could have breakthrough performances during soccer’s showcase event:

Gilberto Mora

One of Mexico’s most promising prospects in years, Mora could become the youngest Mexican player to appear in a World Cup at age 17. He is the youngest player among the rosters of the 48 teams playing at the tournament this year.

The midfielder has been making waves in Liga MX with Tijuana. He started for the Mexico team that won the Gold Cup in 2025.

In August 2024, he was the youngest to start and score in the Mexican first division at age 15. In January 2025, he was the youngest to debut for Mexico at 16.

Some of the top clubs reportedly scouting the teenager include Real Madrid, Barcelona and some Premier League teams.

Yan Diomande

The 19-year-old winger will star for Ivory Coast at the World Cup after impressing with Leipzig in the German league.

He moved to the United States at a young age and excelled while playing high school soccer in Florida. Diomande had trials with Major League Soccer teams Colorado and Charlotte but ended up moving to Spanish club Leganes in 2024.

It wasn’t long before Leipzig signed the promising star last year. He also debuted for the national team last year, featuring in the Africa Cup of Nations.

Endrick

The 19-year-old striker will have a chance to shine with Brazil after finishing the season well with Lyon in the French league.

Endrick thrived with Brazilian club Palmeiras before moving to Real Madrid as the next top prospect from Brazil. He had a rough start with the Spanish powerhouse and was sent on loan to Lyon, where he thrived this last season.

It was enough for new Brazil coach Carlo Ancelotti to include him on the World Cup squad, where he will compete with the likes of Neymar, Vinícius Júnior, Raphinha and another up-and-coming teenager in 19-year-old Rayan, who impressed with Bournemouth in his first Premier League season.

Ibrahim Mbaye

The 18-year-old Mbaye became the youngest Senegalese goal scorer in the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year, helping Senegal reach the final. He was 17 at the time.

The forward was a member of PSG’s academy and made his French league debut as a 16-year-old in 2024.

He made his Champions League debut last year and progressively got more playing time with PSG this season, including in the top European club competition won by the French club.

Kendry Páez

The 19-year-old attacking midfielder has been a regular with Ecuador.

Chelsea struck a deal in 2023 to sign Páez from Ecuadorean club Independiente del Valle when he turned 18 in 2025. Chelsea loaned him to French club Strasbourg last year, and he is currently playing on loan with Argentine powerhouse River Plate.

A strong World Cup is likely to bring Paéz, who is known for his nifty dribbling and explosive changes of pace, back to Europe.

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Japan Say Bring on Brazil at World Cup but Wary of Revenge Mission

Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu smiles as he responds to a question during a news conference ahead of his team's World Cup Group F match against Sweden Wednesday, June 24, 2026, in Arlington, Texas. (AP)
Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu smiles as he responds to a question during a news conference ahead of his team's World Cup Group F match against Sweden Wednesday, June 24, 2026, in Arlington, Texas. (AP)
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Japan Say Bring on Brazil at World Cup but Wary of Revenge Mission

Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu smiles as he responds to a question during a news conference ahead of his team's World Cup Group F match against Sweden Wednesday, June 24, 2026, in Arlington, Texas. (AP)
Japan head coach Hajime Moriyasu smiles as he responds to a question during a news conference ahead of his team's World Cup Group F match against Sweden Wednesday, June 24, 2026, in Arlington, Texas. (AP)

Japan will give "everything we've got" and declared they have what it takes to beat Brazil in the last 32 of the World Cup in Houston on Monday.

Hajime Moriyasu's side reached the knockout rounds with a 1-1 draw against Sweden at the home of the Dallas Cowboys.

They finished runners-up behind Group F winners the Netherlands after one win and two draws.

Now the real competition begins when they face a Brazil team boasting Real Madrid striker Vinicius Junior and coached by the acclaimed Italian Carlo Ancelotti.

"There is no bigger stage," defender Yukinari Sugawara said following Thursday's nervy stalemate with Sweden.

"We need to give 120 percent against Brazil, and to do that we need to be together as one as a team and a country, and prepare with everything we've got."

Brazil, who have won the World Cup a record five times, will be favorites to reach the last 16 in North America.

But Japan are considered dark horses to go far at the tournament, and beat Brazil 3-2 at home in a friendly in October.

Moriyasu warned his men that a sense of revenge will be on the minds of the Brazilians.

"Perhaps because of that match, they will be motivated even more," said Moriyasu.

Veteran defender Shogo Taniguchi said it was all or nothing now.

"From here on, if we lose it's all over. We need to move into a higher gear for the next game," he said.

Japan took a second-half lead through Daizen Maeda only for Anthony Elanga to quickly level for Sweden with a shot that goalkeeper Zion Suzuki might have done better with.

Japan were hanging on by the end, but Suzuki said they can beat anyone on their day, having also defeated England at Wembley in the lead-up to the World Cup.

"We know that they're a strong team but if we do things right, we can definitely win," he said of the Brazilians.

"I want to approach this game as if it's the final."

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Verstappen Wants to Stay at Red Bull, Says Mekies Amid McLaren Chatter

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands prepares at pit during the second free practice ahead of the Austrian F1 Grand Prix, in Spielberg, Austria, Friday, June 26, 2026. (AP)
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands prepares at pit during the second free practice ahead of the Austrian F1 Grand Prix, in Spielberg, Austria, Friday, June 26, 2026. (AP)
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Verstappen Wants to Stay at Red Bull, Says Mekies Amid McLaren Chatter

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands prepares at pit during the second free practice ahead of the Austrian F1 Grand Prix, in Spielberg, Austria, Friday, June 26, 2026. (AP)
Red Bull driver Max Verstappen of the Netherlands prepares at pit during the second free practice ahead of the Austrian F1 Grand Prix, in Spielberg, Austria, Friday, June 26, 2026. (AP)

Max Verstappen wants to ‌stay at Red Bull but needs a fast car, team boss Laurent Mekies said on Friday amid fresh speculation about possible McLaren interest. At the start of the season the talk was all about whether the four-times world champion would remain in the sport, so unhappy was he sounding about the regulations in Formula One's new engine era.

Once-dominant Red Bull are fourth in the standings, triggering speculation that Verstappen could be looking to make a move elsewhere. Champions McLaren are third.

Mercedes are the in-form team but may not have an opening, with ‌19-year-old Kimi ‌Antonelli a superstar after five wins in the ‌first ⁠six races while ⁠teammate George Russell is adamant his seat is also secure for 2027.

The paddock chatter has turned to McLaren, who already have an agreement with the Dutchman's race engineer Gianpiero Lambiase, with the Daily Mail reporting "secret" preliminary talks for Verstappen to trade places with Australian Oscar Piastri.

McLaren have said publicly they are happy with both Piastri and world ⁠champion Lando Norris.

Speaking after first practice for this weekend's ‌Austrian Grand Prix, Red Bull's home ‌race, Mekies made clear he expected Verstappen -- who has had only one ‌podium finish in seven rounds this season -- to stay.

"Max has made ‌clear to us that he wants to continue with the team. It's equally clear that he needs a fast car for him to be happy with the team," he said.

"We are not asking Max every week. He's ‌there. He's pushing with us. He's helping us to find the right development space for the car... ⁠so it's ⁠not the topic for us. The topic for us is get the car back to where we want it to be."

Mekies would not be drawn on other reports that chief engineer Paul Monaghan was set to leave the team.

"I don't think it would be right for me to comment on every single rumor that comes out," he said. "If I look at the names that have been circulating in the last few months, most of them are still in the garage.

"Some had never wanted to leave, some have changed their mind, some are staying with us... Paul is actually here today. He has been working very hard to get our cars out this morning."

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Ferrari's Hamilton Faces Mercedes in Austria Hoping to Turn F1 Win into a Title Shot

Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain crosses the finish line to win the Spain F1 Grand Prix race at the Barcelona Catalunya racetrack in Montmelo, near Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, June 14, 2026. (Manaure Quintero/Pool Photo via AP)
Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain crosses the finish line to win the Spain F1 Grand Prix race at the Barcelona Catalunya racetrack in Montmelo, near Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, June 14, 2026. (Manaure Quintero/Pool Photo via AP)
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Ferrari's Hamilton Faces Mercedes in Austria Hoping to Turn F1 Win into a Title Shot

Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain crosses the finish line to win the Spain F1 Grand Prix race at the Barcelona Catalunya racetrack in Montmelo, near Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, June 14, 2026. (Manaure Quintero/Pool Photo via AP)
Ferrari driver Lewis Hamilton of Britain crosses the finish line to win the Spain F1 Grand Prix race at the Barcelona Catalunya racetrack in Montmelo, near Barcelona, Spain, Sunday, June 14, 2026. (Manaure Quintero/Pool Photo via AP)

The Formula 1 title race is turning into the ultimate battle of youth against experience.

On one side, Lewis Hamilton, who at 41 just became F1's oldest race winner since 1970. An eighth world title would make him the oldest champion since 1957.

On the other, Kimi Antonelli, the 19-year-old Italian who leads the standings, on course to be the youngest-ever to take the title.

“I’ve been here before. I know what I have to do, and there’s a long way to go,” Hamilton said Thursday ahead of this weekend's Austrian Grand Prix, set to take place as a “heat hazard” race as hot weather bakes Europe.

"We have a real battle on our hands, and it’s going to take everyone for the rest of the year to even come close to competing with (Mercedes), but I don’t think it’s impossible.”

Hamilton's win at Barcelona two weeks ago, his first with Ferrari after a year and a half of frustration, brought together smart strategy, Mercedes' reliability issues and innovation at Ferrari with key car parts that rivals have rushed to copy. Ferrari's bringing an upgraded engine to Austria, too.

According to The Associated Press, Antonelli's teammate George Russell said he was surprised how fast Ferrari is developing its car under F1's strict spending rules, but "at the end of the day, we’re still the team to beat. So this will be another good weekend to see if Ferrari are still on that good form or if that was a one-off.”

Hamilton's win just showed that anyone “writing him off” was wrong, said Russell, his teammate at Mercedes in 2024.

“For sure, he is a big threat. Ferrari are a huge threat. Kimi is still very much the driver out front and is performing really incredibly and consistently," Russell said. “Ferrari feel like they’re coming and Lewis is at forefront of that.”

How Austria shows Antonelli's growth What a difference a year makes.

Three corners into last year's Austrian Grand Prix, Antonelli smashed into Max Verstappen, ending the race for both. Verstappen accepted Antonelli's apology, saying “every driver has made a mistake like that” — though the points he lost that day arguably ended up costing him the title.

It was part of a disastrous run of summer results at European tracks for Antonelli, who admitted he felt overwhelmed by frustration. After Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff repeatedly called Antonelli's performance “underwhelming” at his home Italian Grand Prix, it prompted speculation about his future. Then came the turnaround.

Antonelli used Wolff's criticism as “fuel to do even better” and he did, scoring more points in the final eight rounds of the season than he had in the previous 16. That laid the foundations for his championship-leading breakout season in 2026.

Verstappen's future For the third year running, Verstappen arrives at Red Bull's home race with his future unclear.

The four-time champion's Red Bull deal runs through 2028 but could allow an earlier exit under certain conditions. The speculation's fueled by long-running interest from Mercedes and Verstappen's remarks about quitting F1 out of frustration with the 2026 cars.

In 2024 and 2025, Verstappen eventually committed to staying with the team which has overseen his entire F1 career.

Monaco dispute rumbles on It's three weeks since the Monaco Grand Prix and the results still aren't final. McLaren and Red Bull are protesting the ruling which handed Pierre Gasly back third place after canceling a time penalty.

Multiple drivers were penalized under a wrongly set-up timing system, but only Gasly's was overturned. If the decision's reversed, Red Bull's Isack Hadjar would be third and McLaren's Oscar Piastri fourth.