The best World Cup 2026 wonderkids to watch in FM26, featuring elite prospects, breakout stars and hidden gems from across the tournament.
World Cup 2026 is not just about the usual superstars. Yes, we will all be watching the obvious names, the established monsters, the golden-ball candidates and the players already worth more than small countries. But for Football Manager players, the real fun is somewhere else.
It is in spotting the next big thing before everyone else pretends they knew all along.
That is why this list matters. These are the 20 wonderkids to watch at World Cup 2026, ranked across three tiers: the global wonderkids already carrying massive expectations, the breakout candidates who could explode on the biggest stage, and the proper deep cuts for those of us who enjoy saying “I told you so” far too much.
We are looking at this through an FM26 scouting lens, so the focus is not only on hype. It is about attributes, roles, tactical fit, international opportunity and whether these players could become must-sign names in your next save.
For more international football content, check out our guide to FM26 international management features and our list of best international save ideas in FM26.
World Cup 2026 Wonderkids: Quick Tier List
| Tier | Players | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|
| Tier 1 | Lamine Yamal, Endrick, Kenan Yıldız, Warren Zaïre-Emery, Pau Cubarsí | Already elite-level wonderkids and serious Young Player of the Tournament candidates. |
| Tier 2 | Kendry Páez, Nico Paz, Antonio Nusa, Assan Ouédraogo, Ben Gannon-Doak, Ibrahim Maza, Luka Vušković, Chemsdine Talbi, Rayan, Yan Diomande, Paul Wanner | Players ready to use the World Cup as their global breakout moment. |
| Tier 3 | Gilberto Mora, Keisuke Goto, Kerim Alajbegović, Ibrahim Mbaye | Deep cuts, wildcard picks and hidden gems for proper FM scouts. |
For official tournament updates, fixtures and host information, you can also follow the FIFA World Cup 2026 hub.
Tier 1: Already Global Superstars
These are the boys everyone will be watching. They are not “maybe one day” prospects anymore. They are already important players at club level, already carrying national expectations, and already terrifying full-backs, centre-backs and tactical analysts everywhere.
1. Lamine Yamal - Spain
Nation: Spain
Club: Barcelona
Position: Right winger
Lamine Yamal is the obvious headline act. At this point, calling him a wonderkid almost feels insulting, because he is already playing like a superstar who accidentally left his school bag in the changing room.
In FM26, his profile is ridiculous: 19 dribbling, 19 first touch, 19 technique, 19 flair, 18 vision and 16 decisions. That is not a promising teenager. That is a tactical cheat code with boots.
For Spain, he will be the player who stretches defensive blocks, creates isolation moments and forces opponents to double up on the right side. The Young Player of the Tournament award may already have his name pencilled in.
2. Endrick - Brazil
Nation: Brazil
Club: Real Madrid
Position: Striker / right winger
Endrick has had the Pelé comparisons hanging over him since he was basically a child, which is completely normal and not at all insane pressure to put on a teenager. But this World Cup could be the moment he starts writing his own story.
His FM26 profile screams explosive forward: 15 finishing, 16 acceleration, 15 pace, 15 strength, 18 natural fitness and 17 flair. That combination makes him dangerous whether he starts centrally, attacks from the right, or comes on late against tired legs.
Brazil always loves a World Cup forward with a bit of chaos in him. Endrick has that chaos, but with actual end product.
3. Kenan Yıldız - Turkey
Nation: Turkey
Club: Juventus
Position: Left winger / attacking midfielder / striker
Kenan Yıldız is exactly the type of player international tournaments love. Technical, fearless, versatile and capable of creating something from absolutely nothing. The sort of player who can be quiet for 70 minutes and then suddenly ruin a defender’s entire summer.
In FM26, he looks elite already: 17 dribbling, 17 technique, 16 first touch, 15 passing, 15 long shots, 17 flair and 14 decisions. That is a properly complete attacking profile.
Turkey will need him to carry a lot of creative responsibility, but that is what makes him so interesting. If he has a strong tournament, do not be shocked if his price goes nuclear.
4. Warren Zaïre-Emery - France
Nation: France
Club: Paris SG
Position: Central midfielder / defensive midfielder / right wing-back
Warren Zaïre-Emery is not flashy in the same way as Yamal or Endrick, but that almost makes him more terrifying. He plays like someone downloaded a 29-year-old midfielder’s brain into a 20-year-old body.
His FM26 profile is built for control: 15 first touch, 15 passing, 14 technique, 15 off the ball, 15 positioning, 15 teamwork, 16 stamina and 15 natural fitness. He can press, recycle possession, cover space and keep France ticking.
Every tournament-winning side needs a midfielder who makes everyone else look better. Zaïre-Emery could be that player for France.
5. Pau Cubarsí - Spain
Nation: Spain
Club: Barcelona
Position: Centre-back
Pau Cubarsí is not the loudest name on this list, but he might be one of the most important. Spain’s entire identity depends on defenders who can receive the ball under pressure and treat pressing forwards like minor inconveniences.
His FM26 profile is absurdly mature for his age: 16 anticipation, 16 composure, 16 concentration, 15 decisions, 16 determination, 16 passing and 15 technique. That is basically a Barcelona centre-back starter pack.
Young attackers usually get the spotlight, but if Spain go deep, Cubarsí’s calmness could be one of the big reasons why.
Tier 2: Players Ready to Explode
This is where the fun really starts. These players are not all household names yet, but they are close. One strong World Cup run, one ridiculous group-stage performance, one goal against a favourite, and suddenly everyone is searching their name in FM26.
6. Kendry Páez - Ecuador
Nation: Ecuador
Club: Chelsea / River Plate
Position: Central attacking midfielder
Kendry Páez is the type of left-footed creator who looks like he has more time than everyone else. That is usually the first sign of a serious player.
His FM26 profile gives you the full picture: 15 dribbling, 15 first touch, 16 technique, 17 flair, 14 acceleration, 15 agility and 16 natural fitness. He is not just a YouTube moments player either. There is enough technical security there to trust him in bigger games.
For Ecuador, he could be the player who turns transitions into chances and possession into actual threat.
7. Nico Paz - Argentina
Nation: Argentina
Club: Como
Position: Attacking midfielder / striker
Nico Paz feels like a classic Argentina tournament wildcard. He may not be the main man, but he has the tools to become the connective piece between midfield control and final-third invention.
In FM26, he is already a lovely creative profile: 19 dribbling, 18 first touch, 17 technique, 16 passing, 17 vision and 16 determination. That is not a bench option you ignore. That is a player you build combinations around.
His value in a World Cup squad is simple: he can receive between the lines, turn under pressure and make defenders step out of shape.
8. Antonio Nusa - Norway
Nation: Norway
Club: RB Leipzig
Position: Left winger / right winger
Norway will naturally attract attention because of Erling Haaland and Martin Ødegaard, but Antonio Nusa is the player who could completely change how teams defend them.
With 16 dribbling, 15 technique, 16 flair, 16 acceleration, 16 agility and 16 pace, he has the exact profile you want against tired full-backs. Give him space and he runs. Deny him space and he can still beat you.
Nusa is the chaos outlet. And in tournament football, chaos is currency.
9. Assan Ouédraogo - Germany
Nation: Germany
Club: RB Leipzig
Position: Central midfielder / attacking midfielder
Assan Ouédraogo is one of those midfielders who looks built in a lab for modern football. Big frame, soft touch, carries the ball well and can play as an eight or a more advanced creator.
His FM26 profile is very nicely balanced: 16 dribbling, 16 technique, 15 first touch, 16 flair, 16 agility, 16 balance and 15 determination. That is a scary blend for a 19-year-old midfielder.
Germany may not need him to start every match, but he could become the tournament’s “how is he only 19?” player.
10. Ben Gannon-Doak - Scotland
Nation: Scotland
Club: Bournemouth
Position: Right winger / left winger
Ben Gannon-Doak is pure winger energy. Direct, aggressive, brave and slightly unhinged in the best possible way. The kind of player who sees a full-back and immediately thinks: “Lovely, I shall ruin your afternoon.”
In FM26, his standout numbers are 17 dribbling, 16 acceleration, 15 agility, 18 determination, 15 aggression and 14 work rate. That gives Scotland a serious transition weapon.
He might not be the most polished player on this list, but tournament football often rewards players who play at full speed and ask questions later.
11. Ibrahim Maza - Algeria
Nation: Algeria
Club: Bayer Leverkusen
Position: Central midfielder / attacking midfielder / defensive midfielder
Ibrahim Maza is a proper between-the-lines technician. He can play as a ten, drop deeper into midfield and help Algeria control the rhythm rather than just survive matches.
His FM26 profile is lovely: 16 dribbling, 16 technique, 15 first touch, 17 flair, 16 agility and 15 stamina. That is a player who can keep the ball when the game gets frantic.
Algeria building around him makes sense. He gives them control, press resistance and creativity in the same package.
12. Luka Vušković - Croatia
Nation: Croatia
Club: Tottenham / Hamburger SV
Position: Centre-back
Luka Vušković is a centre-back built for the modern game, but with old-school dominance in the air. At 193 cm, he gives Croatia size, bravery and set-piece threat, but he is not just a big lad who heads things away.
His FM26 profile includes 16 heading, 14 marking, 17 jumping reach, 16 strength, 17 bravery, 18 determination and 16 work rate. That is a serious defensive foundation.
For FM players, he is exactly the type of wonderkid centre-back you buy once and keep for a decade.
13. Chemsdine Talbi - Morocco
Nation: Morocco
Club: Sunderland
Position: Left winger / right winger
Chemsdine Talbi is one of those wide players who can turn a balanced match into panic mode very quickly. He is direct, quick and comfortable attacking either side.
His FM26 profile is not as flashy as the Tier 1 names, but it is very usable: 15 crossing, 14 dribbling, 14 first touch, 15 flair, 15 acceleration, 15 pace and 15 work rate.
That last number matters. Morocco can trust him without the ball, which means he has a better chance of actually getting tournament minutes.
14. Rayan - Brazil
Nation: Brazil
Club: Bournemouth
Position: Right winger / striker
Rayan comes into this list as one of the more interesting Brazil options because he is not just technical. He has Premier League physicality baked into his profile already.
FM26 gives him 14 finishing, 15 acceleration, 15 pace, 15 strength, 15 determination and 14 off the ball. That makes him a different kind of Brazilian forward: direct, physical and dangerous attacking space.
He may not start ahead of bigger names, but as a bench weapon, he could be nasty.
15. Yan Diomande - Ivory Coast
Nation: Ivory Coast
Club: RB Leipzig
Position: Winger
Remember the name: Yan Diomande. He has the exact profile that can make a World Cup group stage feel deeply unfair for full-backs.
He is explosive, direct and dangerous in one-v-one situations. In a tournament where teams often sit deeper and protect central zones, a winger who can beat his man without needing a complex passing move becomes gold dust.
Ivory Coast will need someone who can break games open. Diomande could be that player.
16. Paul Wanner - Germany
Nation: Germany
Club: PSV
Position: Attacking midfielder / right-sided midfielder
Paul Wanner is one of the cleaner technicians in this tier. He is not the loudest name, but his profile has that “manager’s favourite” smell to it.
In FM26, he brings 15 dribbling, 16 first touch, 16 technique, 16 flair, 14 agility and 14 stamina. That makes him useful as a creative midfielder, wide playmaker or late-game control option.
Germany have plenty of talent, but Wanner’s ability to link play and keep the ball could make him surprisingly valuable.
Tier 3: Hidden Gems and Deep Cuts
This tier is for the proper scouts. These are the names casual fans may not rush to watch immediately, but FM players should absolutely keep an eye on. One breakout performance here can turn a hidden gem into a transfer-market obsession.
17. Gilberto Mora - Mexico
Nation: Mexico
Club: Tijuana
Position: Attacking midfielder / left midfielder
Gilberto Mora might be the most fun deep cut on the list. He is only 17, already capped by Mexico in this FM26 setup, and has the kind of low-centre-of-gravity profile that makes defenders start making bad decisions.
His FM26 attributes are very promising: 16 technique, 15 first touch, 14 dribbling, 14 passing, 16 flair, 14 decisions and 15 natural fitness.
He might not play every minute, but with Mexico involved and the home-continent energy around the tournament, Mora could quickly become a fan favourite.
18. Keisuke Goto - Japan
Nation: Japan
Club: Anderlecht / STVV
Position: Striker
Keisuke Goto is interesting because he gives Japan something slightly different: height, aerial presence and a proper central reference point.
His FM26 profile reflects that: 14 finishing, 14 heading, 16 jumping reach, 14 off the ball, 14 stamina and 14 penalty taking. He is not a flashy winger pretending to be a striker. He is a proper number nine option.
For Japan, that variation could be huge. When the technical passing game does not break through, Goto gives them a more direct route.
19. Kerim Alajbegović - Bosnia and Herzegovina
Nation: Bosnia and Herzegovina
Club: RB Salzburg
Position: Left midfielder / attacking midfielder
Kerim Alajbegović is a proper FM name. Technical, young, at Salzburg, versatile across attacking midfield areas and still developing physically. You already know half the community will scout him immediately.
His FM26 profile has some lovely attacking numbers: 14 long shots, 14 corners, 14 free-kick taking, 14 penalties, 16 flair and 13 first touch.
He is not the finished article, but that is the whole point. Deep cuts are not meant to look perfect. They are meant to make you feel clever before everyone else catches up.
20. Ibrahim Mbaye - Senegal
Nation: Senegal
Club: Paris SG
Position: Left winger / right winger
Ibrahim Mbaye is the wildcard. He may not arrive with the same noise as the biggest names, but that can actually help him. No pressure, no global expectation, just space to surprise people.
His FM26 profile gives him a strong foundation: 14 dribbling, 14 first touch, 14 technique, 15 acceleration, 14 pace, 14 vision and 13 teamwork.
For Senegal, he could become a dangerous wide option, especially if used in transition. For FM26 players, he is exactly the sort of player you monitor before his value doubles.
Who Could Win Young Player of the Tournament?
The obvious favourite is Lamine Yamal. His profile is already superstar-level, Spain should give him major responsibility, and he has the kind of match-winning quality voters notice.
But if we are talking value picks, Kenan Yıldız is extremely interesting. Turkey may rely on him heavily, which means more touches, more responsibility and more highlight moments. Sometimes awards are not only about ability. They are about narrative.
Endrick is the explosive pick. He might not need to dominate every game. A couple of goals in massive moments and suddenly he becomes the face of Brazil’s next era.
For a defensive shout, Pau Cubarsí deserves respect. Centre-backs rarely win individual youth awards unless they are truly exceptional, but his importance to Spain’s build-up could be massive.
Best FM26 Scouting Picks from This List
From a Football Manager perspective, I would split them like this:
- Best overall talent: Lamine Yamal
- Best striker profile: Endrick
- Best attacking midfielder: Nico Paz
- Best centre-back: Pau Cubarsí
- Best physical defender: Luka Vušković
- Best hidden gem: Gilberto Mora
- Best wildcard: Ibrahim Mbaye
- Best breakout winger: Antonio Nusa
The smartest FM26 save idea here might be to follow this tournament like a scout. Watch who actually performs, then try to sign them before their reputation explodes. Classic Football Manager behaviour, really. Completely sensible. Definitely not obsessive.
Final Thoughts
World Cup 2026 could be one of those tournaments where a new generation properly arrives. We already know about Lamine Yamal, Endrick, Kenan Yıldız and Warren Zaïre-Emery, but the real fun could come from the names just below that superstar tier.
Maybe Kendry Páez becomes Ecuador’s main man. Maybe Nico Paz gives Argentina a new creative spark. Maybe Luka Vušković announces himself as Croatia’s next defensive leader. Maybe Gilberto Mora becomes the teenage story everyone falls in love with.
That is the beauty of tournament football. Reputations can change in 90 minutes.
And for us Football Manager players, that means one thing: keep the shortlist open.
Related reads:
FM26 International Management Features
Best International Save Ideas in FM26
Mastering FM26 eBook
