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And just like that, it’s over. After five and a half weeks of breathtaking football, the 2026 World Cup has faded into the background, leaving behind unforgettable memories as Spain, the new world champions, continue their celebrations.

La Roja relied heavily on their talented young stars throughout the tournament. Lamine Yamal and FIFA’s Young Player Award winner Pau Cubarsi shone for Luis de la Fuente’s side, and given their performances at only 19 years old, both appear destined to become World Cup legends by the time they retire.

Elsewhere, Ayyoub Bouaddi demonstrated why he is regarded as one of the most sought-after young midfielders in global football through his performances for Morocco. Gilberto Mora justified the hype with impressive displays for co-hosts Mexico, while Ibrahim Mbaye and Karim Alajbegovic scored spectacular goals for Senegal and Bosnia & Herzegovina, respectively.

Although continental championships will dominate the international calendar next, it’s hard not to look ahead to the next World Cup. Scheduled to be hosted by Spain, Portugal and Morocco—with three matches also taking place in South America to kick off the tournament—the 2030 edition promises to be another grand stage for the next generation of stars to announce themselves to the world.

So, who are the young talents poised to shine in 2030? Here’s a look at 20 NXGN-eligible starlets (born in 2007 or later) expected to light up the next World Cup.

Estevao (Brazil)

Brazil suffered their earliest World Cup exit since 1990, losing to Norway in the last 16. While Carlo Ancelotti’s team faced multiple issues, the absence of Estevao due to injury certainly didn’t help their cause. The Chelsea winger had scored five goals in six international appearances between September and November 2025, earning a regular place opposite Vinicius Jr. However, a severe hamstring injury in April ruled him out of what would have been his first major tournament.

At just 19, Estevao still has time to regain full fitness and evolve into one of Brazil’s key figures. If he can overcome his injury concerns and adapt to the physical demands of the Premier League, he is well-positioned to become a future leader for both club and country.

Eduardo Conceicao (Brazil)

While Estevao is already part of the senior setup, another exciting Brazilian prospect, Eduardo Conceicao, is rapidly emerging. A product of Palmeiras’ academy, Conceicao’s dazzling performances have already attracted interest from Manchester United, Manchester City, Barcelona, and Paris Saint-Germain.

Primarily an attacking winger from the left flank, Conceicao is being groomed as Brazil’s next superstar. Approaching his 17th birthday, he could soon make his first-team breakthrough, potentially following in the footsteps of Estevao and Endrick.

Lennart Karl (Germany)

Germany’s Lennart Karl was another high-profile teenager absent from the 2026 tournament due to injury. The Bayern Munich forward had impressed for the national side before a thigh problem forced him out a week before kick-off. His creativity and composure on the ball were sorely missed as Germany crashed out in the last 32. Under the incoming manager Jurgen Klopp, Karl is expected to play a critical role in Germany’s 2030 campaign.

Kennet Eichhorn (Germany)

Following another disappointing World Cup showing, Germany’s fans are eager to see new talents emerge, with 16-year-old Kennet Eichhorn leading that charge. Having gained valuable experience at Hertha Berlin, the midfielder has joined Bayer Leverkusen, rejecting offers from Liverpool and others. Often compared to Toni Kroos, Eichhorn is seen as a long-term cornerstone for Germany’s midfield.

Marc Bernal (Spain)

Spain’s celebration continues after their World Cup triumph, and their talent pipeline shows no signs of slowing. With Rodri approaching his 30s, there are questions about his long-term consistency. Fortunately, Barcelona’s Marc Bernal appears ready to step up. Compared to Sergio Busquets, Bernal combines defensive discipline with attacking flair, and at 19, he is already pushing for a place in Luis de la Fuente’s senior squad.

Xavi Espart (Spain)

Spain’s Under-19 team also enjoyed success this summer, winning the European Championship in Wales. Among their standout performers was Xavi Espart, a versatile midfielder capable of playing full-back. Compared to Joshua Kimmich, Espart debuted for Barcelona last season and is expected to earn more minutes under Hansi Flick. If he maintains his progress, a senior call-up is likely.

Other U19 prospects include Real Madrid’s Thiago Pitarch, who featured in Champions League knockout matches, and former Barca player Quim Junyet, now at Almeria to secure regular first-team football.

Ebrima Tunkara (Spain)

At the U17 Euros, Spain’s Ebrima Tunkara was named Player of the Tournament in Estonia. The 16-year-old attacking midfielder, widely regarded as La Masia’s best attacking prospect since Lamine Yamal, could soon form a lethal partnership with him for both club and country. Tunkara will join Barcelona’s senior pre-season this summer and could feature in Spain’s 2030 title defence.

Franco Mastantuono (Argentina)

Argentina are entering a post-Lionel Messi era, and Franco Mastantuono is among those tipped to fill the void. The 18-year-old became Argentina’s youngest competitive debutant in June 2025 but missed out on the 2026 squad after a mixed debut season at Real Madrid. Capable of playing as a No.10 or on the wing, Mastantuono has the tools to become a key player for both club and country in the coming years.

Max Dowman (England)

England’s semi-final exit means their wait for a major trophy continues. The spotlight now turns to Arsenal’s Max Dowman, who became the youngest goal-scorer in Premier League history after finding the net against Everton in March. The 16-year-old, hailed as a ‘generational talent’, could be pivotal to England’s 2030 campaign, although balancing him alongside Jude Bellingham will be an intriguing tactical question.

Rio Ngumoha (England)

Rio Ngumoha, who made his England debut before the 2026 World Cup, is also primed for a bright future. The Liverpool winger impressed Thomas Tuchel and is expected to get more opportunities under Andoni Iraola. His pace, agility, and finishing ability make him one of England’s most exciting attacking prospects.

JJ Gabriel (England)

Manchester United’s JJ Gabriel is perhaps the most anticipated of England’s next wave. The 15-year-old forward dominated the U18s last season and is expected to make his senior debut soon. Compared to Lionel Messi in his early youth, Gabriel could become one of United’s brightest homegrown stars since the Class of ’92.

Cavan Sullivan (USA)

The United States left the 2026 World Cup with plenty of positives despite their last-16 exit. Cavan Sullivan, a Philadelphia Union midfielder bound for Manchester City in 2027, is viewed as the future of American football. Having already impressed in MLS, Sullivan is expected to become one of the most technically gifted players ever produced by the U.S.

Julian Hall (USA)

New York Red Bulls’ Julian Hall has been even more prolific, scoring nine goals and providing four assists in 15 MLS games. The 18-year-old became the youngest player to score a hat-trick in league history and is expected to move to Europe soon. By 2030, he could be leading the U.S. attack.

Rodrigo Mora (Portugal)

With Cristiano Ronaldo’s era ending, Portugal’s attention has turned to Porto’s Rodrigo Mora. The 19-year-old midfielder helped his side win Liga Portugal and the 2025 Nations League. His creative flair has attracted interest from Barcelona and PSG. Chelsea’s Geovany Quenda and Wolves’ Mateus Mane are also tipped to join Portugal’s senior ranks soon.

Sean Steur (Netherlands)

Newcastle paid £23 million for Ajax’s Sean Steur, an 18-year-old midfielder known for his passing and stamina. Having broken into Ajax’s first team, he is expected to adapt quickly to the Premier League and stake a claim in the Dutch national setup. Twente’s Ruud Nijstad, a promising defender, is another name to watch.

Nathan De Cat (Belgium)

Belgium’s Nathan De Cat joined Hoffenheim from Anderlecht for €20m after making his international debut in March. The 18-year-old versatile midfielder, capable of shielding defence or operating as a No.10, is expected to thrive in the Bundesliga and soon become a key figure for his national team.

Gabriel Rajkovic (Norway)

Norway’s resurgence was led by Erling Haaland, and 15-year-old Gabriel Rajkovic might be the next big name. The Valerenga winger became the youngest debutant in Norwegian top-flight history and is already being compared to Haaland and Martin Odegaard for his potential trajectory.

Abdellah Ouazane (Morocco)

Born in Amsterdam and trained in Ajax’s academy, Abdellah Ouazane was named Player of the Tournament at the 2025 U17 Africa Cup of Nations. Although a move to Real Madrid fell through, the 17-year-old midfielder remains one of Morocco’s brightest prospects and could soon attract renewed European interest.

Jorthy Mokio (DR Congo)

Jorthy Mokio, another Ajax talent, switched allegiance from Belgium to DR Congo but missed the 2026 World Cup. The versatile 18-year-old defender-midfielder is expected to join the senior team soon and is already on the radar of top European clubs, though he signed a new contract keeping him in Amsterdam until 2031.

Samuele Inacio (Italy)

Despite missing three consecutive World Cups, Italy’s new generation offers hope. Borussia Dortmund’s Samuele Inacio, 18, has already scored in the Bundesliga and earned his first senior cap. Alongside teammates Luca Reggiani, Honest Ahanor (Atalanta), and Francesco Camarda (AC Milan), Inacio could spearhead Italy’s return to the world stage in 2030.