World Cups are where rising stars of football transform into global icons overnight. AFP Sport looks at five players with the potential to become the game’s next breakout star at this year’s finals, hosted across the United States, Mexico and Canada.

Who is likely to be the 2026 World Cup breakout star?

The 2026 World Cup breakout star is likely to emerge from a group of young attacking players already performing at the highest club level. Nico Paz, Desire Doue, Nico O’Reilly, Endrick and Pedri each combine youth with proven ability, giving them a genuine chance to seize the biggest stage in football.

Can Nico Paz fill the Messi void for Argentina?

The son of former Argentine international Pablo Paz, Nico Paz was born and raised in Spain but chose to represent the world champions. A product of the Real Madrid academy, the 21-year-old has flourished across two seasons under Cesc Fabregas at Como in Italy. Real Madrid are reportedly preparing to exercise their buyback option, with Europe’s top clubs also monitoring his progress.

Paz’s technical ability and eye for goal from range have marked him out as one of the continent’s most exciting prospects. His biggest challenge at the tournament may be filling in for Lionel Messi, with Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni expected to carefully manage the 38-year-old’s minutes during the champions’ title defence.

Is Desire Doue ready for his first major tournament?

Doue has already performed on the grandest stage in club football. He won the man-of-the-match award and scored twice in Paris Saint-Germain’s Champions League final thrashing of Inter Milan last year. The 2026 World Cup will, however, mark the 20-year-old’s first appearance at a major international tournament.

Securing a starting place will not be straightforward. Doue faces fierce competition for a spot in a French attack that includes Kylian Mbappe, Ballon d’Or winner Ousmane Dembele and Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise. He gave coach Didier Deschamps a timely reminder of his quality by scoring his first two international goals in a 3-1 friendly win over Colombia in March.

How has Nico O’Reilly become a key player for England?

O’Reilly, 21, has earned the full trust of Pep Guardiola at Manchester City. He scored twice from left-back in City’s League Cup final victory over Arsenal in March, having originally come through the academy as a goalscoring midfielder. Guardiola has deployed his combination of height, speed and skill as an attacking weapon from deep.

The move may also have solved a long-standing problem for England coach Thomas Tuchel. England reached the Euro 2024 final without a reliable natural left-back, largely due to Luke Shaw’s fitness struggles throughout the tournament. “What a player,” Guardiola said. “He has made an incredible step up and he has had a lot of minutes, but he deserves it.”

Can Endrick rediscover his best form on the World Cup stage?

Endrick made his Palmeiras debut at 16 and was signed by Real Madrid before his 18th birthday. He burst onto the international scene by scoring the winner against England at Wembley two years ago, becoming Brazil’s youngest goalscorer since Ronaldo in the process. A successful loan move to French club Lyon in January has revived his prospects ahead of the tournament.

Life behind Vinicius Junior and Mbappe at Real Madrid saw him fall down the pecking order, but he has rediscovered his scoring touch in France. The 19-year-old is often compared to Brazilian great Romario for his squat but powerful physique. He will be hoping to emulate Romario’s feat of scoring five goals when Brazil last won the World Cup on US soil in 1994.

Can Pedri finally have a complete World Cup with Spain?

Pedri has established himself as a fitting heir to Xavi Hernandez for both Barcelona and Spain. He first came to widespread attention as an 18-year-old at Euro 2020 before playing a key role in Spain’s run to the European Championship title in Germany two years ago. Injury cut short his involvement before the semi-finals and final, leaving a question over what he might achieve when fully fit at a major tournament.

Under Hansi Flick at Barcelona, Pedri has put his fitness troubles behind him. He has been central to back-to-back La Liga title wins over the past two seasons, arriving at the World Cup in the best form and condition of his career.