TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The youngest players in the 2026 World Cup inevitably catch the attention of tournament onlookers, both for their age and their achievements in the field. With the top twelve being under 19 years old, these teenagers not only start early but also endure a lot for someone their age.
To further add to the excitement of your World Cup journey, here are some of the youngest names on this year’s international courts, as cited from FIFA and Sporting News.
Youngest Players in the 2026 World Cup
12. Lamine Yamal - 18 years 11 months (Spain)
Lamine Yamal isn’t a novice in the game as proven by the hefty check he has gathered from football contracts alone. At his age, Lamine Yamal’s net worth has reached a seven-figure wonder, thanks to his distinction on the field.
11. Behruzjon Karimov - 18 years 10 months (Uzbekistan)
Playing as the country’s defender, Behruzjon Karimov has contributed to his team's success since joining earlier this year. Throughout his career, the young talent wears 24 across the back of his jersey.
10. Lucas Herrington - 18 years 10 months (Australia)
Less than 3 months into his senior international debut for the Socceroos, Lucas Herrington made it to the 2026 World Cup stage as part of the Australia squad. Unsurprisingly, the 18-year-old has also represented Australia at the youth international level in the U-18, U-19, and U-20 age groups.
9. Rayan Elloumi - 18 years 9 months (Tunisia)
Cited as one of the youngest players in the 2026 World Cup, Rayan Elloumi has recorded 11 goals and 7 assists for his club, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, this season. The Canadian-Tunisian dual national is expected to show his best performance throughout this year’s tournament.
8. Kerim Alajbegovic - 18 years 8 months (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
The young talent from Bosnia and Herzegovina has represented his country at the international level much earlier in his career, having been part of the squad at the U15 to U21 level. Among the youngest players in the 2026 World Cup, Alajbegovic stuns onlookers with his total goals and assists, including a shocking one in the Europa League against Basel.
7. Ayyoub Bouaddi - 18 years 8 months (Morocco)
Morocco’s rising star Ayyoub Bouaddi has been making a name for himself since he was a kid. At the age of 13, Bouaddi reportedly received growing interest from Paris Saint-Germain and Monaco. Experts believe the Senile born would soon achieve his goal quicker than anyone.
6. Mladen Jurkas - 18 years 8 months (Bosnia and Herzegovina)
Bosnia and Herzegovina has introduced another entry for the youngest players in the 2026 World Cup. Despite his young age, the goalkeeper benefits from his height, which currently stands at 1,93m, as per recent reports.
5. Bara Sapoko Ndiaye - 18 years 5 months (Senegal)
Known for his qualities of being versatile and agile, Ndiaye is the true embodiment of a football attacker. Long before his journey in the 2026 World Cup, the youngster has been thriving with FC Bayern Campus, clocking more than 36 kilometers per hour.
4. Hamza Abdelkarim - 18 years 5 months (Egypt)
Among his peers as one of the youngest players in the 2026 World Cup, Hamza Abdelkarim receives flying colors from fans, all thanks to his flawless performance. As the classic center-forward, the sharpshooter has his strengths lying in holding up play, occupying defenders, and positioning himself where it matters most.
3. Ibrahim Mbaye - 18 years 4 months (Senegal)
Less than two weeks into the 2026 World Cup, Ibrahim Mbaye became the youngest African to ever score at a FIFA World Cup. While Senegal still lost 3-1 to France, Mbaye’s name is included with fellow Africans such as Pele, Rosas, Gavi, Mbaye.
2. Hugo Sochurek - 18 years 12 days (Czechia)
The second youngest player of this year’s tournament, Hugo Sochurek, took off the field with his local club, Táborsko. Soon enough, the central midfielder joined Sparta Prague, where his talent is recognized among the nation’s squad for the 2026 World Cup.
1. Gilberto Mora - 17 years 8 months (Mexico)
Gilberto Mora is the youngest player in the World Cup 2026, having started this international stage at the age of 17. Even if his opportunities on the pitch during the 2026 World Cup are limited, Mora is approaching the tournament with the mindset of a player who knows his moment could arrive at any time.
Read: 2026 World Cup Top Scorers: Who Leads the Goal Charts So Far
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