15 potential breakout players at the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Every FIFA World Cup there is a player, or several, who break out.

They play above what they've previously delivered and their performances have normally led to a big-money move in clubland.

Think James Rodriguez for Colombia in 2014, Marc Overmars for the Netherlands in 1994 or Miroslav Klose for Germany in 2002.

Today we feature the 15 potential breakout players at the 2026 World Cup, broken down into three categories - the emerging superstars, established yet raw, and pure raw talent.

15 players to watch

Emerging superstars

These are the established freaks at club level who will play big minutes and are in contention to win the FIFA Young Player award.

Lamine Yamal (Spain): One of the brightest young stars on the planet. Was second to Ousmane Dembele in the 2025 Ballon d'Or voting at the age of 17. Has won the Kopa Trophy (best player under 21) twice already. At 18 he is already one of Spain's most important players.

Rayan Cherki (France): The Frenchman has enjoyed a strong debut season in the Premier League after joining Manchester City from Lyon last June. The 22-year-old attacking midfielder has only five international caps to his name but should become one of Didier Deschamps' main men before too long.

Joao Neves (Portugal): PSG midfielder who already has 21 Portugal caps at the age of 21. Likely to operate alongside Vitinha and Bruno Fernandes, Neves should be a nailed-on starter, ready to deliver his club stardom to the world stage. Following the footsteps of Enzo Fernandez in 2022, could Neves be the next midfielder to claim the Young Player award?

Established yet raw

These players are well established but still incredibly raw, particularly on the international stage.

Kenan Yildiz (Turkey): Juventus' starboy, Kenan Yildiz has rapidly grown into one of the game's superstars of tomorrow. Double digit goals and assists at clubland this season, the 21-year-old enters his first World Cup, leading a new wave of Turkish football alongside Arda Güler. Flair and confidence, expect big moments.

Endrick (Brazil): Once touted Brazil's 'next Pele', Endrick joined Real Madrid from Palmeiras in 2024 with the world at his feet. Struggling for game time in 2025/26, a loan move to Lyon has revitalised his astronomical potential. If granted minutes under Carlo Ancelotti, Endrick has all the potential to break the game open for Brazil.

Elliot Anderson (England): Nottingham Forest midfielder who only debuted for England last August. At 23 years of age, Anderson has grown into a well established Premier League regular, however, this tournament presents as his opportunity to cement his place in England's setup.

Abdukodir Khusanov (Uzbekistan): Uzbekistan's finest product, Khusanov has ascended into one of world football's brightest young centre halves. Used frequently and crucially under Pep Guardiola at Manchester City, the 22-year-old carries incredible strength and comfort on the ball. Already 22 senior caps, Khusanov is a nailed on starter.

Lennart Karl (Germany): Bayern Munich have produced some of Germany's greatest ever talents, and Karl may be no exception. A phenomenal debut season at senior level saw the right sided attacker mount 16 G/A including six from eight Champions League games at just 18 years of age. Only three senior caps for Germany thus far, Karl could prove a wildcard in attack if deemed ready by manager Julian Nagelsmann.

Nico Paz (Argentina): A genuine superstar in the making, Nico Paz has torn the Serie A to shreds with surprise package Como. Under management of Cesc Fabregas, Paz finished fifth in the Golden Boot race... from midfield. Expected to rejoin former side Real Madrid following the World Cup, Paz will hope to aid Argentina's hopes of winning back-to-back titles.

Pure raw talent

These guys are as raw as it gets and all having breakout seasons at club level. Watch the big clubs come calling if they play well in North America.

Antonio Nusa (Norway): Erling Haaland isn't all to be excited for in Norway. RB Leipzig's 21-year-old left winger started in six of Norway's eight undefeated UEFA Qualification tournament, bagging two goals and three assists and rating as one of the best players across Europe within the qualification process. Electrifying pace and creativity, Nusa is destined to impress.

Luka Vuskovic (Croatia): Defensive prospects don't get much better. At 19, Vuskovic lit up the Bundesliga in his debut season for Hamburg, starting in almost every fixture and returning top tier performances. Awarded Bundesliga Rookie of the Month four times, Bundesliga Player of the Season So Far in January and a Bundesliga Team of the Season nod, the Tottenham loanee is primed to transfer his talents to the world stage.

Yan Diomande (Ivory Coast): Nusa's fellow wingman at RB Leipzig, Diomande is destined to shine in what presents as a career-defining World Cup. The 19-year-old managed 20 goal involvements in his debut Bundesliga season, while also bagging three goals for Ivory Coast across AFCON and the CAF World Cup qualifiers. With a potential big-money move on the cards, Diomande is primed for an international breakout.

Bilal El Khannouss (Morocco): A super talent across all midfield and attacking roles, El Khannouss is ready to take his game to a new level. A goal and three assists in his last six Bundesliga matches for Stuttgart and a goal in his last start with Morocco, the Leicester City loanee has the form and experience to light up the World Cup.

Nestory Irankunda (Australia): Australia's golden boy, Nestory Irankunda's career took flight after his world-class highlight reel landed him a move to Bayern Munich in 2024. Joining Watford this season, Irankunda has shifted his talents to the English Championship, proving one of the league's most electrifying talents. At 20, Nestory will headline an exciting young attack for the Socceroos.

Esmir Bajraktarevic (Bosnia and Herzegovina): The US-born Bosnian winger has the flair, confidence and talent to truly shine at this World Cup. Breaking into the senior setup at PSV this season, the right-sided talent earned his debut callup to the international setup and tore apart the UEFA Qualifiers, playing in seven games and earning Man of the Match in Bosnia's knockout win over Italy. One to watch.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Mexico and Canada kicks off on Friday, June 12. You can hear EVERY GAME LIVE across the SEN network.