2026 World Cup: 10 youngest players after FIFA confirms final squads
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With all 48 countries having confirmed their final squads for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the full scale of the tournament’s talent pool is finally taking shape.
The competition will bring together established legends, experienced veterans, and some of the brightest teenage prospects in world football. The age range among the players selected is remarkable, highlighting the blend of youth and experience that will define the tournament across the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
At one end of the spectrum is Scotland goalkeeper Craig Gordon, who will be 43 years and 162 days old when the tournament begins. At the other is Mexico wonderkid Gilberto Mora, who is just 17 years and 240 days old.
In total, there are 22 teenagers under the age of 20 heading to the World Cup, while seven players are aged 40 or above. The tournament will also feature a significant influx of fresh faces, with 891 players set to experience the World Cup for the first time. Meanwhile, 357 players are returning after featuring at previous editions of the competition.
Among the newcomers are several teenage stars who have already attracted attention from clubs and scouts around the world. Here are the 10 youngest players selected for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
1. Gilberto Mora (Mexico)
Date of Birth: October 14, 2008
The youngest player at the 2026 World Cup is Mexican sensation Gilberto Mora. At just 17 years old, the midfielder has rapidly emerged as one of the country’s most exciting young talents. His inclusion in Mexico’s squad underlines the faith the coaching staff has in his ability to compete on the biggest stage despite his age.
2. Hugo Sochurek (Czechia)
Date of Birth: June 7, 2008
Czechia’s Hugo Sochurek is the second-youngest player in the tournament. Still a teenager, he has impressed enough at youth and club level to earn a place in his nation’s World Cup squad, making him one of the youngest European representatives in North America.
3. Lennart Karl (Germany)
Date of Birth: February 22, 2008
Germany have never been afraid to trust young talent, and Lennart Karl is the latest example. The highly-rated youngster has earned a place among one of the tournament’s traditional powerhouses and will hope to gain valuable experience during his first World Cup.
4. Ibrahim Mbaye (Senegal)
Date of Birth: January 24, 2008
Senegal continue to produce elite young footballers, and Ibrahim Mbaye is among the latest prospects to break through. His selection reflects the depth of talent emerging from the West African nation as they look to make another deep run at the World Cup.
5. Hamza Abdelkarim (Egypt)
Date of Birth: January 1, 2008
Born on New Year’s Day in 2008, Hamza Abdelkarim enters the tournament as Egypt’s youngest representative. The teenager is regarded as one of the country’s brightest prospects and could become a household name if given opportunities during the competition.
6. Bara Sapoko Ndiaye (Senegal)
Date of Birth: January 24, 2008
Sharing the exact same birth date as teammate Ibrahim Mbaye, Bara Sapoko Ndiaye gives Senegal two players among the 10 youngest participants at the World Cup. Their inclusion highlights the strength of Senegal’s next generation.
7. Mladen Jurkas (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Date of Birth: October 7, 2007
Bosnia and Herzegovina’s Mladen Jurkas is among the youngest defenders at the tournament. The teenager’s rapid development has earned him a place in the national team setup ahead of football’s biggest event.
8. Ayyoub Bouaddi (Morocco)
Date of Birth: October 2, 2007
Morocco continue to build on their recent international success, and Ayyoub Bouaddi represents the future of the Atlas Lions. The midfielder is widely regarded as one of the most technically gifted youngsters in African football.
9. Pau Cubarsí (Spain)
Date of Birth: January 22, 2007
One of the most highly-rated young defenders in world football, Pau Cubarsí has already established himself as a regular for both Spain and FC Barcelona. Renowned for his composure on the ball, tactical intelligence, and maturity beyond his years, Cubarsí heads to the World Cup as one of the youngest defenders in the tournament.
10. Lamine Yamal (Spain)
Date of Birth: July 13, 2007
Arguably the most famous teenager in world football, Lamine Yamal arrives at the 2026 World Cup as one of Spain’s biggest stars despite being only 18 years old. The winger enjoyed a meteoric rise with FC Barcelona and became a key player for Spain, helping them win UEFA Euro 2024. Blessed with exceptional dribbling ability, creativity, and finishing, Yamal is expected to be one of the standout young players of the tournament.
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