Whenever the World Cup comes around, several young players emerge as superstars on football’s greatest stage.
From Michael Owen in 1998 to James Rodriguez in 2013, breakout stars have long been a huge talking point at the event.
The 2026 World Cup will be no different, with dozens more exciting prospects ready to showcase their skills.
HITC has named the top five wonderkids for football fans to keep an eye on at this summer’s tournament.
Luka Vuskovic (Croatia)
Luka Vuskovic is one of the key reasons no one should write off Croatia from making a deep run at the World Cup.
While some of Croatia’s ageing stars have either regressed or retired, Vuskovic offers them hope of achieving more success.
The 19-year-old central defender excelled for Hamburg in the Bundesliga this season in his loan spell from Tottenham.
Vuskovic was even voted the best player in Germany halfway through the 2025/26 campaign, ahead of Harry Kane.
He also won the Bundesliga Goal of the Season award for his backheel against Werder Bremen — one of six league goals.
Likely to play in the middle of Croatia’s back three at the World Cup, Vuskovic is certainly one to watch.
Antonio Nusa (Norway)
All the attention will be on Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard, but Norway have several other quality attacking players.
21-year-old winger Antonio Nusa has already enjoyed a breakout domestic season with RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga.
The youngster provided four goals and three assists in the league, as Leipzig finished third to Bayern and Dortmund.
Nusa can improve his decision-making in the final third, but his dribbling will get spectators off their seats at the World Cup.
His contributions alongside Haaland and Odegaard could have a big impact on Norway’s ability to reach the latter stages.
Yan Diomande (Ivory Coast)
Antonio Nusa’s Leipzig teammate, Yan Diomande, is another exciting winger who could make some noise at the World Cup.
Diomande had an extremely productive 2025/26 season, with 13 goals and 10 assists in all competitions.
The Ivorian also averaged more than four successful dribbles per game, as he can go past defenders on either side.
Expect Diomande to embarrass a few opponents at the World Cup this summer and to catch the eye of some top clubs.
It would almost be a surprise to see him in a Leipzig shirt next season if he brings his A-game to the United States.
Rayan (Brazil)
Rayan only joined Bournemouth from Vasco da Gama in January, yet he is already considered a Premier League wonderkid.
The 19-year-old Brazilian earned his place at the World Cup by scoring five goals in 15 league games for the Cherries.
Rayan has undoubtedly benefited from Estevao Willian’s hamstring injury, but he was still selected ahead of Joao Pedro.
And he has already vindicated Carlo Ancelotti’s decision to select him with a goal in Brazil’s recent 6-2 win over Panama.
Rayan remains behind La Liga superstars Vinicius Jr and Raphinha in the pecking order, but he could be a classic super sub.
Just one decisive moment for Brazil in a World Cup knockout match would change his life overnight.
Lucas Bergvall (Sweden)
Lucas Bergvall had an underwhelming season with Tottenham, but the same can be said for most of their players.
At 20 years old, the midfielder remains a top prospect who could announce himself on the global stage at the World Cup.
Although he may not be a match-winner, in terms of goals and assists, he has the technical ability to dictate games.
With Viktor Gyokeres and Alexander Isak up front, Bergvall’s role will be to ensure they progress the ball into the final third.
Indeed, many fans will watch Sweden games expecting to be impressed by the front two and end up raving about Bergvall’s quality.
