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Young Players to Watch at the 2026 World Cup: Rising Stars Ready to Break Out

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Twenty new players to watch at World Cup 2026

The 2026 FIFA World Cup in the USA, Canada, and Mexico will bring together a massive pool of talent, including many fresh faces. Out of 1,248 possible players, 891 will be making their World Cup debut. While big names will dominate headlines, several young players outside the Premier League and Scottish Premiership are also expected to make a strong impact.

Contents
Yan Diomande (Ivory Coast)Gilberto Mora (Mexico)Johan Manzambi (Switzerland)

Here are some of the most exciting rising stars to follow.

Yan Diomande (Ivory Coast)

Age: 19 | Position: Winger | Club: RB Leipzig

Yan Diomande has quickly become one of the most talked about young wingers in Europe. He moved from Leganes to RB Leipzig in 2025 for a modest fee and immediately impressed in the Bundesliga.

He recorded 12 goals and 9 assists in 33 matches, helping Leipzig secure Champions League qualification. His performances earned him the Bundesliga Rookie of the Season award.

Top European clubs such as Liverpool, Manchester City, Real Madrid, PSG, and Bayern Munich have shown interest, but Leipzig value him highly and are not eager to sell.

Diomande also has a strong personal connection with the United States, having lived in Florida during his teenage years. After recovering from a shoulder injury, he returned to international action and started Ivory Coast’s warm up win over France, strengthening his place in the squad.

Gilberto Mora (Mexico)

Age: 17 | Position: Midfielder | Club: Tijuana

Gilberto Mora is one of the youngest players expected at the tournament and already carries huge expectations in Mexico.

He made history as the youngest senior player for Mexico at just 16 and later featured in a Gold Cup final win over the United States. His technical ability and creativity in midfield have earned him comparisons with top Spanish talent.

He also became the youngest goalscorer in Liga MX history when he scored for Tijuana at just 15.

European clubs, including Real Madrid and Manchester City, are monitoring his progress closely. However, he may not start every match due to strong competition in Mexico’s midfield.

Johan Manzambi (Switzerland)

Age: 20 | Position: Midfielder | Club: SC Freiburg

Johan Manzambi is a young Swiss midfielder developing steadily in the Bundesliga with SC Freiburg. He is known for his calm control, smart passing, and ability to link midfield play.

He is expected to play a supporting but important role for Switzerland as they build a balanced squad for the tournament.

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Previous Article Two men jailed after violent disorder at Southampton protest over Henry Nowak murder Court sentences handed down after police injured in unrest Two men have been jailed after violent disorder broke out during a protest in Southampton linked to the murder of 18 year old Henry Nowak. Connor Bishop, 24, received a sentence of two years and eight months. Leon O’Leary, 41, was jailed for three years and one month. Both men admitted violent disorder in earlier court proceedings. The unrest took place on 2 June in the Portswood area. Police officers and a police dog were injured when objects were thrown at them during the escalation. Protest followed release of police footage The demonstration began after body camera footage was released showing Henry Nowak handcuffed while dying after being stabbed. The case relates to Vickrum Digwa, 23, who was convicted of murdering Nowak. He was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 21 years. Digwa initially told police he was the victim of a racist attack, which led to confusion at the scene. Violence escalated outside police station and nearby streets The protest first gathered outside a city centre police station in Southampton. It later moved closer to the home of Digwa’s family. Authorities say the situation turned violent as crowds clashed with police. Officers were hit with thrown objects, including wheelie bins, chairs, and other debris. A total of 21 people have now been charged in connection with the disorder. Evidence presented in court CCTV and video footage were shown during sentencing. O’Leary was seen picking up a smoke grenade from the ground and throwing it toward police. He also admitted resisting arrest and possession of an offensive weapon after officers found a samurai sword at his home. He claimed it was a decorative item he had owned for years. During arrest, he reportedly took a defensive stance at the top of a staircase and threatened officers before being restrained with spray. Bishop was also identified in footage. He wore a black jumper with writing on the back and threw a traffic cone toward officers during the disorder. Investigation into police response The Independent Office for Police Conduct has launched an investigation into how police handled the initial incident and its aftermath. Henry Nowak’s family condemned the violence seen during the protest and called for calm following the events. Two men jailed after violent disorder at Southampton protest over Henry Nowak murder
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Two men jailed after violent disorder at Southampton protest over Henry Nowak murder Court sentences handed down after police injured in unrest Two men have been jailed after violent disorder broke out during a protest in Southampton linked to the murder of 18 year old Henry Nowak. Connor Bishop, 24, received a sentence of two years and eight months. Leon O’Leary, 41, was jailed for three years and one month. Both men admitted violent disorder in earlier court proceedings. The unrest took place on 2 June in the Portswood area. Police officers and a police dog were injured when objects were thrown at them during the escalation. Protest followed release of police footage The demonstration began after body camera footage was released showing Henry Nowak handcuffed while dying after being stabbed. The case relates to Vickrum Digwa, 23, who was convicted of murdering Nowak. He was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum term of 21 years. Digwa initially told police he was the victim of a racist attack, which led to confusion at the scene. Violence escalated outside police station and nearby streets The protest first gathered outside a city centre police station in Southampton. It later moved closer to the home of Digwa’s family. Authorities say the situation turned violent as crowds clashed with police. Officers were hit with thrown objects, including wheelie bins, chairs, and other debris. A total of 21 people have now been charged in connection with the disorder. Evidence presented in court CCTV and video footage were shown during sentencing. O’Leary was seen picking up a smoke grenade from the ground and throwing it toward police. He also admitted resisting arrest and possession of an offensive weapon after officers found a samurai sword at his home. He claimed it was a decorative item he had owned for years. During arrest, he reportedly took a defensive stance at the top of a staircase and threatened officers before being restrained with spray. Bishop was also identified in footage. He wore a black jumper with writing on the back and threw a traffic cone toward officers during the disorder. Investigation into police response The Independent Office for Police Conduct has launched an investigation into how police handled the initial incident and its aftermath. Henry Nowak’s family condemned the violence seen during the protest and called for calm following the events.
Two men jailed after violent disorder at Southampton protest over Henry Nowak murder
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