Every World Cup has a moment when a player who was unfamiliar to most suddenly becomes the hottest topic worldwide.
James Rodriguez and Neymar Jr did it in 2014. Mbappé made his mark in 2018. Enzo Fernandez captured attention in Qatar. North America 2026 is next, and the potential stars are already in view.
Here are the players likely to shine on the global stage this summer.
5. Kenan Yildiz, Turkey
The last time Turkey played in a World Cup, Kenan Yildiz wasn’t even born. Now he’s the player to watch. The 21-year-old attacker from Juventus had 16 goal contributions in 33 league appearances this season. Turkey’s entire tournament run relies on him. The stage is set perfectly for him.
4. Nico Paz, Argentina
Often seen as a possible long-term successor to Messi, Paz comes to the World Cup after an impressive season with Como in Serie A. He finished in the top five for the Golden Boot from a midfield role which is not something we see everyday. Francesco Totti remarked that Paz is the only player he’s felt genuine excitement watching in Italy this season. That statement deserves attention.
Como 1907 midfielder Nico Paz has been named the Serie A Enilive 2025/26 MVP – Best Midfielder. The award was presented during the pre-match ceremony ahead of Cremonese-Como 1907.
Congratulations, Nico! pic.twitter.com/A69fjhN1if
— Como1907 (@Como_1907) May 24, 2026
3. Rayan Cherki, France
The 22-year-old attacking midfielder has just five international caps but is poised to become a key player for Didier Deschamps.
As France manages Mbappé’s minutes during the group stage, Cherki is likely to start and play an important role in early matches. His vision and ability with both feet make him difficult to defend in tight situations.
2. Assan Ouédraogo, Germany
Lennart Karl suffered a muscle injury in training and was ruled out before the World Cup even began, his name would have been on this list instead. Nagelsmann called up Ouédraogo, and the 20-year-old attacker from RB Leipzig isn’t just there to fill a spot.
In a 6-0 win over Augsburg this season, he scored a goal and got an assist which won him the Man of the match award. Ouédraogo just barely missed out on the original squad. This isn’t merely a last-minute replacement, Per ESPN
1. Nico O’Reilly, England
O’Reilly scored nine goals and provided six assists this season and also won the Premier League Young Player of the Season award. His recorded top speed of 35.9 km/h ranks him among the fastest players in the league. While he mostly plays left back for his club, his instincts are purely those of a midfielder. Don’t be surprised if he ends the tournament on every big club’s shortlist.
Introducing your Young Player of the Season…@mancity‘s Nico O’Reilly 🎉 pic.twitter.com/bN2h4Aw0FS
— Premier League (@premierleague) May 23, 2026
The Bigger Picture
1998 brought us Thierry Henry and Ronaldo. 2014 introduced James Rodriguez and Neymar Jr. 2018 confirmed Mbappé as the next football icon.
With 48 teams, more matches, and more chances for unknown players to shine, 2026 has more opportunities than any previous World Cup to create new stars. The only question is who will seize that moment.
Ijeh Cautions Senegal
Yankee Scores earlier reported that a former Nigerian international and UEFA-licensed coach Peter Ijeh has warned Senegal to be wary of the threats in Group I, which he labeled as the “Group of Death.”
Senegal will take on France, Norway, and Iraq to stand a chance of progressing.
In an exclusive interview with Yankee Scores, Ijeh, the former Malmo FF striker, believes Senegal must play every game like it’s a World Cup final to stand the chance of qualifying out of the “Group of Death.”
