World Cup rising stars: Five youngsters who have boosted their value at the tournament

This summer’s World Cup has seen the elite players rise to the top of their games, and smaller countries dream the impossible, but there have been players who have risen from being relative unknown to stars that will be spoken about for years to come. 

Here are five rising stars that have caught the eye at the 2026 World Cup… 

Gilberto Mora (Mexico, 17) 

Mora became the second youngest player to ever start a World Cup match, only behind Pele, with the Club Tijuana midfielder a surprise starter for Javier Aguirre’s side against Ecuador. The 17-year-old has shown a strong attacking intent so far at this tournament and looks a real threat. While his defensive naivety is something that needs working on, Mora has shown immense promise in the 154 minutes he has garnered so far. 

Ibrahim Mbaye (Senegal, 18) 

Someone who is already at an elite club is Mbaye, with the 18-year-old a rising star at Paris Saint-Germain. The Senegalese forward is already catching the eye at club level, and his appearances for his country at the World Cup, albeit mainly off the bench, have been impressive.  

The winger’s 15 minutes against tournament favourites France included a goal of pure quality, and his calmness on the ball and superb decision making has stood out. His vast skillset means he has plenty to offer, just like UK casino Boyle, which has a wide range of casino games available to play. 

Kerim Alajbegovic (Bosnia and Herzegovina, 18) 

Alajbegović burst onto the scene during the 2025/26 season with Austrian side RB Salzburg, before returning to Bundesliga side Bayer Leverkusen this summer, and the Bosnia and Herzegovina star did not take long to nail down a starting spot during this tournament.  

The 18-year-old instantly showed his deserved to be on this stage with his directness and ability to create chances with both feet. Alajbegović’s performances were awarded with a goal against Qatar in their final group match, before Bosnia bowed out of the tournament at the hands of the USA. The winger is now being linked with a move away to some of Europe’s elite clubs. 

Johan Manzambi (Switzerland, 20) 

On paper, three goals in your first international tournament for your country at the age of 20 wearing the number nine is no short feat, but then you realise the player in question is a defensive midfielder by trade.  

Manzambi has burst onto the Swiss footballing scene this summer with his lethal finishing inside the opposition penalty area, but the Freiburg youngster has shown he is more than capable at doing the work at both ends of the pitch. Newcastle United are rumoured to be very interested in the 20-year-old. 

Nathan Saliba (Canada, 22) 

The oldest player on this list, but someone who is making a huge impact for his country in their home tournament. Anderlecht midfielder Saliba, who made his tournament debut for the Maple Leafs in place of the injured Ismael Kone against Qatar, has come in and been immense for Jesse Marsch’s side.  

A goal and two assists in his three matches from defensive midfield is impressive, and his ability to win the ball back, drive up the pitch and find a team with a wide range of passing are his biggest traits. Playing alongside captain Stephen Eustaquio, Canada have a very solid central midfield partnership.