Three Youngsters Who Could Shine at the 2026 World Cup
An unprecedented 48 international teams will battle to win the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico.
The tournament will shed its previous 32-team format and open the doors to more nations looking to prove they have what it takes to compete at the top level.
With that in mind, read on as we look at three young players who could light up the 2026 World Cup, starting with a hugely promising striker.
Ricardo Pepi – United States
Ricardo Pepi has been on a steep upward trajectory since coming through the youth ranks at Dallas FC in Major League Soccer.
The 21-year-old has made an emphatic start to the season at PSV Eindhoven and is undeniably one to watch out for at the World Cup.
Pepi initially struggled to find his feet after moving to Europe. He failed to score for FC Augsburg in the Bundesliga before joining PSV in 2023 after spending a year on loan at FC Groningen.
Pepi scored 13 times in 31 games for Groningen and carried that form to PSV, although he only netted nine goals in 41 appearances during his debut season.
However, the Texas-born striker has sparked into life this season. His movement off the ball, ability to run in behind the opposition and ice-cool finishing make him difficult for defenders to handle.
The American striker bagged a brace in PSV’s most recent 6-0 win over PEC Zwolle, putting himself firmly on new manager Mauricio Pochettino’s radar.
He is proving that he can be a lethal finisher, and his predatory instincts will be crucial to the US’ hopes of making a deep run into the tournament on home turf.
Evan Ferguson – Republic of Ireland
Evan Ferguson was once heralded as one of the best players to emerge from the Republic of Ireland and the country’s most talented striker since the legendary Robbie Keane.
After breaking through the youth ranks at Brighton & Hove Albion, Ferguson’s lethal finishing and all-round gameplay rendered him near-invincible, but injuries derailed his development.
The 20-year-old has lost his place and is struggling to reassert himself in the first team, especially with Danny Welbeck in the form of his life.
However, Ferguson remains Ireland’s best hope of giving a decent account of themselves if they make it into the 2026 World Cup.
Ferguson recently got on the score sheet in Brighton’s 2-2 draw against Wolverhampton Wanderers in the Premier League – his first goal for club and country since November 2023.
Irish fans will have been delighted to see the talented striker back amongst the goals as he’s expected to spearhead Ireland’s push for World Cup qualification.
If they book their ticket to the showpiece, fans and bettors on the Emerald Isle will be queuing up to back the Boys in Green to make significant progress.
Wagering on Ferguson to win the World Cup Golden Boot on sports betting sites in Ireland might be a little too ambitious, but he is certainly one to watch.
If he can recapture his lethal goalscoring form before the World Cup, punters will feel more confident about betting on Ireland to advance beyond the group stage.
Kobbie Mainoo – England
Kobbie Mainoo has been a revelation for Manchester United since coming through the club’s academy and establishing himself as a key player in the first team.
After an excellent debut campaign at Old Trafford, Mainoo was handed his first England call-up, and he played a crucial role in their run to the 2024 European Championship final.
The teenage sensation has been heralded as one of the finest talents from United’s academy and looks set to become a superstar.
Mainoo has drawn comparisons to former United midfielder and fellow academy graduate Paul Pogba. He is one of several young players who could light up the World Cup in 2026.
One of United’s greatest struggles was in the first phase of the build-up last season, which left them vulnerable to opponents with an organised high press.
However, Mainoo’s excellent technical quality and exquisite ball control make him press-resistant, which has been a game-changer for United.
England have no shortage of midfield talent, but Mainoo brings calm, creativity and composure to the middle of the park, and he will be keen to flaunt his unique skill set at the 2026 World Cup.
