The 2026 FIFA World Cup, sprawling across the United States, Mexico, and Canada, will be a historic stage for soccer’s next generation. With 48 teams and 104 matches, the tournament offers a global spotlight for young talents poised to become household names. These rising stars, alongside emerging national teams, will captivate fans in stadiums from Mexico City’s Estadio Azteca to Toronto’s BMO Field. Their flair, ambition, and potential will not only shape the competition but also inspire a new wave of soccer fandom across North America. Here are the players and teams ready to shine in June and July 2026.
The Next Generation of Talent
The 2026 World Cup arrives at a pivotal moment for young players breaking through at top clubs. These rising stars, most under 23, are set to redefine the sport with their skill and charisma, drawing millions of fans to host cities and boosting the tournament’s electric atmosphere.
Lamine Yamal: Spain’s Teenage Sensation
At just 17, Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal is a prodigy rewriting records. His standout performance at Euro 2024, where he provided four assists, showcased his dazzling dribbling and vision. Yamal’s 2024-25 La Liga season signals his readiness for the World Cup stage.
In Canada’s multicultural hub of Toronto, Yamal’s flair will resonate with young fans at BMO Field, where Spain could play group-stage matches.
Alejandro Garnacho: Argentina’s Fearless Winger
Alejandro Garnacho, 22, is Argentina’s heir to Ángel Di María’s throne. The Manchester United winger’s 2024-25 Premier League campaign—12 goals and seven assists—highlights his pace and audacity. Born in Spain but committed to Argentina, Garnacho’s dual identity will captivate fans in Mexico, Canada and US.
Endrick: Brazil’s Prodigal Striker
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Endrick, 20, is Brazil’s brightest hope since Neymar. The Real Madrid forward, who joined from Palmeiras in 2024, has already scored five goals in La Liga by April 2025. His explosive finishing and physicality draw comparisons to Ronaldo Nazário.
Florian Wirtz: Germany’s Creative Spark
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Florian Wirtz, 23, is Germany’s midfield maestro. His 2024-25 season at Bayer Leverkusen—15 goals and 12 assists—builds on his Euro 2024 breakout, where he scored twice. Wirtz’s vision and versatility will shine in Mexico City’s high-altitude Estadio Azteca, where Germany could face tough group-stage opponents.
Jude Bellingham: England’s Midfield Maestro
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Jude Bellingham, 23, is England’s heartbeat. His 2022 World Cup performance (one goal, one assist) was a glimpse of his potential, and his 2024-25 season at Real Madrid—15 goals—confirms his stardom. Bellingham’s games in U.S. cities like Los Angeles will draw diverse crowds, with SoFi Stadium expecting 70,000 fans per match.
Teams to Watch
Beyond individual brilliance, several national teams are poised to surprise in 2026. These squads, fueled by young talent and tactical innovation, could disrupt the traditional powerhouses and create unforgettable moments for fans.
Morocco: Africa’s Roaring Lions
Morocco made history in 2022 as the first African team to reach a World Cup semifinal, and their 2026 squad is even stronger. Young stars like Bilbao’s 22-year-old winger Abde Ezzalzouli, with six goals in La Liga this season, complement veterans like Achraf Hakimi. Morocco’s high-pressing style will thrill fans in Vancouver’s BC Place, where their matches could draw 50,000 supporters. Morocco’s potential deep run could inspire African soccer, with FIFA predicting a 5% rise in regional youth participation.
Canada: The Hosts’ New Dawn
Canada, hosting 13 matches, is no longer a soccer minnow. Their 2022 World Cup appearance and 2024 Copa América semifinal run signal their rise. Led by 23-year-old Lille striker Jonathan David, who scored 20 goals in Ligue 1 this season, Canada’s pacey attack will excite home crowds at Toronto’s BMO Field. Their opener on June 12, 2026, is expected to sell out, generating $15 million in ticket revenue. Canada’s multicultural fanbase will pack fan zones, boosting local businesses by $30 million. A strong showing could cement soccer’s growth in a hockey-dominated nation, with 100,000 new youth players projected by 2027.
Norway: Haaland’s Supporting Cast
Norway, if they qualify, could be a dark horse. Beyond Erling Haaland, 22-year-old Arsenal midfielder Martin Ødegaard and 21-year-old RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa, with four goals in 2024-25, add depth. Norway’s potential success would boost Scandinavian tourism, with 50,000 additional visitors expected, and inspire Nordic soccer development.
Colombia: South America’s Sleeper
Colombia’s young squad, led by 22-year-old Liverpool winger Luis Díaz and 21-year-old Brighton midfielder Carlos Baleba, is a force. Their 2024 Copa América final appearance showcased their flair and resilience. Colombia’s rise could spark a 20% increase in South American World Cup tourism, strengthening regional soccer economies.
Impact and Legacy
These rising stars and teams will drive a $5 billion economic boost across North America, with 6.5 million fans attending matches. The U.S. expects 4 million visitors, generating $3 billion in tourism revenue, while Mexico and Canada anticipate $1.5 billion and $1 billion, respectively. Job creation—300,000 full-time equivalent roles—will span hospitality, security, and retail.
Culturally, these players and teams will inspire diversity and inclusion. Yamal’s Spanish-African roots, Garnacho’s Argentine-Spanish identity, and Canada’s multicultural squad reflect soccer’s global unity. Fan festivals in host cities will showcase Indigenous art, Latin American music, and African dance, creating a vibrant tapestry.
A Starlit Future
The 2026 World Cup will be a proving ground for Yamal, Garnacho, Endrick, Wirtz, and teams like Morocco and Canada. Their performances will electrify stadiums, boost economies, and inspire millions. From Mexico’s passionate terraces to Canada’s inclusive fan zones and the U.S.’s sprawling venues, these rising stars and squads will write a new chapter in soccer history, leaving a legacy of ambition and unity that will shine long after the final whistle.
