Thomas Müller. James Rodríguez. Benjamin Pavard. Enzo Fernandez. Four names that entered the 2010, 2014, 2018 and 2022 World Cups, respectively, with little attention before breaking out on the global stage.
Read more Welcome to New York! Taylor Swift attends Game 4 of NBA Finals at MSG
Müller did so with Germany in 2010 after taking home the Golden Boot award with five goals and three assists at the age of 20. Rodríguez followed suit with Colombia in 2014 with six goals and two assists that also culminated with the Golden Boot at age 23.
Pavard, despite not winning a Golden Boot as a right back, started six of France’s seven games in its 2018 title run, with his absurd curling strike from outside the box against Argentina winning the goal of the tournament at 22 years old.
Fernandez started all seven games for Argentina in its World Cup-winning run, scoring a key goal from midfield and providing an assist. La Albiceleste needed more youth to support Lionel Messi and an aging core — and Fernandez rose to the top.
Though Müller graduated from Bayern Munich’s youth academy and continued his growth there, Rodríguez went from AS Monaco to Real Madrid and Pavard from Stuttgart to Bayern Munich after breaking out. Fernandez moved to Premier League side Chelsea from Benfica in a transfer worth a whopping 121 million euros.
As the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off in North America, which young players could break out and establish themselves further at the club level? Let’s take a look at one player from each of the 48 nations:
GROUP A
MEXICO: AM/LW Gilberto Mora
El Tri is one of many notable countries in need of a youth resurgence. One such talent who has come up recently is Gilberto Mora, who has mostly played as an attacking midfielder with the ability to play on the left wing. Though not incredibly fast and short in size at 17 years old, Mora’s technical brilliance and general IQ are elite for his age and stature. He still has plenty to polish if he is to make it at the top of club football, but the Liga MX rising star is exactly what the nation needs to reestablish itself. Mora, who plays for Tijuana, is the youngest player in this year’s tournament.
SOUTH AFRICA: CB Mbekezeli Mbokazi
The Bafana Bafana are clear underdogs in the tournament, but they do have one standout young player ready for the moment. Center-back Mbekezeli Mbokazi has been making noise for MLS side Chicago Fire recently, and this is his chance to compete against some top-level attackers. Though he’s quite short for a center-back at 5-foot-10, the 20-year-old left-footer’s strength and athleticism help him compete physically. Offensively, here’s a goal he scored for the nation in March.
SOUTH KOREA: CM Jens Castrop
As the Korea Republic nears its end with Son Heung-min, the onus will turn to those who can step up next. One such player could be 22-year-old versatile midfielder Jens Castrop. Born in Germany, he jumped one level to Borussia Monchengladbach in the Bundesliga this past season and fits the league’s style well with his pace and tactical variety. He might not turn out to be a household name like Son, but he could be an intriguing profile if he adds more goal output to his name.
CZECHIA: ST Adam Hlozek
Once a standout prospect for German side Bayer Leverkusen during their recent invincible season, Czechia striker Adam Hlozek is looking for a bounce-back moment. He moved to fellow German side Hoffenheim two seasons ago, but was limited with calf and foot injuries this campaign. Still only 23, the 6-foot-2 forward could help his country earn a knockout berth and get back in the spotlight. But that’ll mostly depend on his fitness levels.
GROUP B
CANADA: ST Promise David
With Alphonso Davies and Jonathan David entering their primes, Mexican-Canadian forward Marcelo Flores could’ve been a name to watch here. But as he tore his ACL less than two weeks before the tournament, in comes 24-year-old striker Promise David. Not related to Jonathan, Promise is a 6-foot-5 striker who has been a prominent goal threat in the Belgian top flight. He has decent speed to pair with incredible strength and aerial ability. One can say he has plenty of promise. You need goals to win tournaments and if Canada is to make an outside run, they’ll need both Davids to step up.
BOSNIA HERZEGOVINA: LW Kerim Alajbegovic
The nation that took down Italy to earn this spot has a few up-and-comers worth keeping tabs on. Arguably the best is left winger Kerim Alajbegovic, who is soon stepping up from the Austrian league to Leverkusen, a team known for its smart scouting and talent development. Alajbegovic is an 18-year-old 6-foot-1 forward who can also play in attacking midfield. He offers silky dribbling and balance to maneuver past defenders, with rising goal threat coming along. He may already have a new home during the tournament, but bigger clubs will be watching if he keeps it up.
QATAR: LB Homam Al-Amin
The hosts of the 2022 World Cup, Qatar forms a solid team but doesn’t have many rising youngsters lined up that makes this selection a bit difficult. Most of the nations marquee players play within the country’s top flight, but one player who didn’t this past season is left-back Homam Al-Amin. The now 26-year-old 6-foot-2 defender spent the season on loan at Cultural Leonesa of Spain’s second division. He has a classic fullback style to his game and playing well here could land him more opportunities in top countries.
SWITZERLAND: CM Johan Manzambi
Group B favorites Switzerland can still hang with some of the world’s best, and integrating fresh talents will help the underdogs retain that status. Johan Manzambi fits the bill. The 20-year-old 6-foot midfielder can plug a lot of holes, with the ability to play as a false 9 or second striker, too. He enjoyed a stellar standout season at club level for German side SC Freiburg, making the Europa League final. He’s extremely technical and a smooth dribbler, the type of player you tune in for. Don’t be surprised if he gets a move this summer.
GROUP C
BRAZIL: ST/RW Endrick
A nation known for its historic attacking prowess, Brazil’s next batch of talents are similarly exciting. Though Chelsea’s Estevao is out with a torn hamstring, Bournemouth star Rayan made the squad. Rayan is joined by Endrick, the 19-year-old who joined soccer giants Real Madrid in 2024. Endrick spent time this season on loan at Lyon in France, where he exhibited the ballstriking and general gamebreaking play that made him one of the world’s most sought after players as a teenager. Though he hasn’t lived up to the hype just yet, time is on his side. Fellow Real Madrid star Vinicius Jr. had a similar rough beginning and is the perfect example of grinding it out under pressure.
MOROCCO: DM/CM Ayyoub Bouaddi
Surprise semifinalists in 2022, Morocco has improved its squad coming into this tournament. The Atlas Lions are entering what should be their golden generation of talent, especially in attack and midfield. One such midfielder to watch is Ayyoub Bouaddi, currently an 18-year-old starter for Lille in France. Bouaddi switched national allegiance to Morocco upon not being called up to France’s team, and it’s a big switch. Bouaddi is seen as one of the top midfield prospects of his age group with his defensive acumen and technical ability. Fellow 2022 breakout Azzedine Ounahi is also in the squad.
HAITI: ST Wilson Isidor
The Grenadiers are in a brutal group, but they have some players who will give them a fighting chance. Leading the line will be 25-year-old striker Wilson Isidor. The 6-foot-1 forward, who switched allegiance from France, played a squad role for Premier League side Sunderland this past season. The Black Cats made a stunning rise as a promoted team to earn a Europa League berth, over the likes of Chelsea and Tottenham. Isidor’s speed and athleticism in the channels will be key. A breakout could earn him more minutes as Sunderland balances multiple competitions or a starting role elsewhere.
SCOTLAND: RW Ben Gannon-Doak
Most of Scotland’s key talents are in their prime years or beyond, but one rising attacker to watch is winger Ben Gannon-Doak. The 20-year-old came out of Liverpool’s youth setup before moving to Bournemouth this past season, where hamstring injuries limited his minutes. But when healthy, his pace on either flank is his superpower. Finishing is an imperative skill for him to improve, but the raw physical traits are there. He just needs to stay healthy as he can develop into a useful two-way winger.
GROUP D
USA: RB Alex Freeman
Mauricio Pochettino’s squad features numerous players who have reached Europe in recent years. One of the most fresh moves was right-back Alex Freeman going from Orlando City to Spanish side Villareal. He’s the pick here as he could have a prominent role in the team. The 6-foot-2 defender has underrated versatility and offers ideal size and speed for a modern-day fullback. Sergino Dest is more useful going forward but isn’t the best 1-v-1 defender. Freeman, 21, is still improving and can offer legitimate competition to Dest. A move above Villareal in the future is a possibility.
PARAGUAY: CM Diego Gomez
With attacker Julio Enciso suffering a lower-leg injury just before the tournament, Paraguay’s number of strong youth talents are limited. Former Inter Miami midfielder Diego Gomez is a solid pick, though. Now at Premier League side Brighton, the 23-year-old Gomez is a relentless runner who can plug in multiple gaps. He’s been gradually improving and Brighton is known for its ability to sign, develop and sell key talents — like it did with Enciso earlier. Gomez could be next in line if he pans out properly.
AUSTRALIA: LB Jordan Bos
Young speedy winger Nestory Irankunda and Colorado Rapids center-back Lucas Herrington are names to watch, but the Socceroos pick here is left-back Jordan Bos. Pure left-backs are increasing in difficulty to find, which is where Bos steps in. The 23-year-old 5-foot-11 defender is extremely fast with a knack for producing in the final third. He had four goals and six assists for Dutch side Feyenoord this season, and his physical tools are just as useful. Improving overall defensively is still his main goal, but there’s a lot to like as far as attacking wingbacks go.
TURKIYE: AM Can Uzun
Possibly the group winners, Turkiye is led by established young stars in Arda Guler and Kenan Yildiz. So, despite their young ages, the respective Real Madrid and Juventus stars won’t get the spotlight. Instead, it’ll be 20-year-old attacking midfielder Can Uzun of German side Frankfurt. Uzun can play in midfield or as a false 9. The 6-foot-1 Uzun is an underrated dribbler with solid technical ability and an eye for goal. He should get heavy minutes if the nation wants to go on a run.
GROUP E
GERMANY: CM Assan Ouedraogo
Bayern Munich youngster Lennart Karl would’ve been the pick, but a late injury saw RB Leipzig midfielder Assan Ouedraogo get the nod instead. Ironically, given Germany’s size and influence in the sport, it is struggling to produce enough marquee up-and-comers. Ouedraogo’s fitness levels have been an issue, but the 20-year-old moves extremely fluidly for someone that’s 6-foot-3. The midfielder is technical with both feet and is a rare profile if he develops according to plan. He might not get many minutes due to the pecking order, but he’s a talent to watch.
CURACAO: AM Sontje Hansen
Former Manchester United product Tahith Chong was considered, but he’s now 26 and likely has hit a ceiling. So, 24-year-old forward Sontje Hansen comes in instead. Hansen’s ceiling isn’t as high as the rest on the list, but he’s a two-footed pacey talent with flair and that’s always welcome at clubs. He was a squad player this past season for Middlesbrough, which came close to promoting to the Premier League but fell short in the playoffs.
IVORY COAST: CB Ousmane Diomande
A potential dark horse candidate, Ivory Coast has a well-rounded team that can make noise with goalkeeping being the main weakness. In terms of breakouts, two players came to mind. Winger Yan Diomande of Leipzig and center-back Ousmane Diomande of Sporting. Yan Diomande, 19, is already well known with links to Liverpool and Paris Saint-Germain. Ousmane Diomande, 22, has the potential to be the next big thing at his position. He’s due a step up from Sporting sooner rather than later, with excellent ball-playing abilities from the back. He should be a regular starter in the tournament.
ECUADOR: CB Joel Ordonez
Ecuador has one of the best defenses in international football. La Tricolor doesn’t have a star goalie, but defensive midfielder Moises Caicedo, left-back Piero Hincapie, left center-back Willian Pacho and right-back Angel Preciado form a cohesive base. Then comes in right center-back Joel Ordonez. Ordonez, 22, is 6-foot-2 and plays for Club Brugge in Belgium. He has the pace and 1-v-1 defending to also play as a makeshift right-back, adding to his versatility. He’s the next key piece for Ecuador awaiting a marquee move.
GROUP F
NETHERLANDS: GK Bart Verbruggen
Almost all of the Netherlands squad are at established clubs, with some having the room to grow even further. One such player is expected starting goalie Bart Verbruggen, who plays for Brighton in the Premier League. The 23-year-old is a young option given his age, though fellow 23-year-old Sunderland goalie Robin Roefs is also in the squad. Verbruggen seems more ready for the moment, though. Both are 6-foot-4 with solid ball-playing abilities, but Verbruggen has the edge and is likely due a step up, especially with a good tournament.
JAPAN: DM Kaishu Sano
The Samurai Blue play an aggressive and underrated brand of tiki-taka football. One midfielder who should be central to it all is Kaishu Sano. The 25-year-old midfielder enjoyed a robust season at German club FC Mainz. The 5-foot-9 Sano offers a unique fusion of speed and technicality to go with a deep engine. He rarely tires out while competing well for aerial duels, too. He’d be an underrated option for top clubs searching for midfield depth.
Read more Knicks rally from 29 to stun Spurs 107-106 in historic NBA Finals Game 4
SWEDEN: CM Yasin Ayari
The Brighton mentions continue with 22-year-old midfielder Yasin Ayari. Initially bought from Swedish side AIK in the 2022-23 season, Ayari spent time away on two loans before making his mark for the first team. The 5-foot-8 Ayari is press resistant with a low center of gravity and has a powerful yet exquisite pass on him, too. Manager Graham Potter didn’t bring some of Sweden’s other promising talents to the tournament, but trusting Ayari should work out well.
TUNISIA: LW Ismael Gharbi
Hannibal Mejbri was the pick for Tunisia in 2022, and though he’s still just 23, the nod will go elsewhere. Instead, it’s 22-year-old winger Ismael Gharbi. He represented France and Spain at younger youth levels before eventually switching to Tunisia. He started off with Paris Saint-Germain and had plenty of potential to explode with his flair and technical ability, but so far it hasn’t worked out. He moved to Braga and spent the season on loan at Augsburg. A solid tournament may remind those why he was valued at a young age.
Group G
BELGIUM: CB Zeno Debast
The Red Devils are entering a new phase with numerous up-and-coming talents entering the picture. With Thibaut Courtois and Kevin De Bruyne among those entering their last dance, plenty of positions are seeing multiple quality options. The pick here is center-back Zeno Debast of Sporting CP. The 6-foot-3 Debast is an excellent ball-playing defender, similar to Ousmane Diomande, who can also slot into midfield with little issues. He’s also a solid set-piece taker, a rare trait for his position.
EGYPT: ST Hamza Abdelkarim
With Mo Salah and Omar Marmoush the most notable Egyptian players, next in line could be young striker Hamza Abdelkarim. The 17-year-old spent time on loan with Barcelona’s youth program this year and is set to move there permanently in the future. At 6-foot-1, Abdelkarim is adept with both feet but will need time to find and tune his strengths. Still, he might get some reps in this tournament with Egypt’s quality lacking in other departments.
IRAN: ST Dennis Eckert (Dennis Dargahi in Iran)
Iran’s squad is lacking in exciting youth, so it’ll be strange seeing a 29-year-old make the cut here. But Dennis Eckert’s club resume is very solid for Iran’s standards as the team looks to integrate more quality for the future. Eckert can play as a striker or drop into midfield and link play, so he should partner well with veteran figure Mehdi Taremi.
NEW ZEALAND: CB Tyler Bindon
The All Whites are one of Oceania’s best soccer nations, with some solid players making their way to Europe recently. Center-back Tyler Bindon is one of them. At 6-foot-3, Bindon has made his mark so far in the EFL Championship in England. He stood out this past season for Sheffield United, on loan from Premier League side Nottingham Forest. He’s a classic box defender who competes well in the air and is tough to deal with physically, but lacks top-end pace. Still, that’s a useful profile for most clubs.
Group H
SPAIN: CB Marc Pubill
One of the contenders to win it all, Spain is led by standout youngster Lamine Yamal. Fellow winger Victor Munoz of Osasuna was considered, but it eventually went to Atletico Madrid center-back Marc Pubill. Pubill can play both on the left and right sides, as well as slotting into right-back. He has incredible pace and power for his size at 6-foot-3, while being pleasant on the ball. He doesn’t have many weaknesses at age 22, and although he’s at a known club, there’s room to go higher. With Spain’s defense being a weakness, Pubill should be a starter.
CABO VERDE: RB Wagner Pina
Center-back Logan Costa is the nation’s best player, but the 25-year-old is already at Villareal. His 23-year-old right-back teammate Wagner Pina instead gets the nod. Pina is a 5-foot-11 classic profile at right-back, who gets up and down the pitch with a solid cross on him. He had seven assists this past season for Turkish club Trabzonspor. If he keeps growing, he’d definitely be a profile for other top clubs to chase.
SAUDI ARABIA: CM Musab Al Juwayr
The hosts of the 2034 World Cup, Saudi Arabia is also entering a phase where youth talents aren’t as common. One such option could be Musab Al Juwayr, a 22-year-old midfielder who can play as a No. 10 or No. 8. He seems best fit for the attacking areas of the pitch, though, and can unlock opponents with his passing. He’s not known for his speed or defensive ability and getting him to improve his work ethic has taken time. But if he takes that up a level, Saudi Arabia has a prospect.
URUGUAY: LB Maxi Araujo
A well-known South American side, Uruguay is at risk of falling behind with a lack of quality youngsters coming up. It doesn’t help that young versatile defender Santiago Mourino was not called up. So the attention turns to the opposite flank, where left-back Maxi Araujo of Sporting comes into play. Uruguay labeled him as a midfielder in the squad, so he could get played higher up the pitch. It doesn’t matter fully as long as he’s on that flank. Araujo, 26, is a relentless wingback who is a goal threat and can track back defensively, though elite wingers are an issue. Still, well-rounded wingbacks are hard to come by.
GROUP I
FRANCE: RW/AM Maghnes Akliouche
Les Bleus are similarly well represented at top clubs, though one name stands out. Maghnes Akliouche is next in line to move up the ranks having been consistent across multiple seasons with French side AS Monaco. The left footer glides across the pitch and can play both as a right winger or right-sided center midfielder. What’ll be tricky is his potential minutes in the tournament due to the overload of fellow right-footed forwards on the team. Regardless, he’s next in line for France if he stays fit.
SENEGAL: CM Lamine Camara
One of the true dark horses of the tournament, Senegal have an enjoyable fusion of experienced veterans and emerging future stars. Out of their crop this tournament, 22-year-old midfielder Lamine Camara is the pick. Like Akliouche, Camara is also at Monaco but is due to a step up sooner rather than later. He’s a bit lightweight at 5-foot-8 but compensates for great all-around play. He gets involved in every phase and doesn’t shy away from contact. Also look out for Assane Diao (Como) and Ibrahim Mbaye (PSG) in attack.
IRAQ: LW Marko Farji
Promising winger Montader Madjed did not get called up otherwise he would’ve been the pick here, so instead comes in left winger Marko Farji. The 22-year-old forward is 6-feet tall with intriguing pace and physical tools. This year he moved to Serie B side Venezia in what is a solid move, though he’ll hope to aim higher in the next few seasons. Faring well in a tough group will only aid him. Midfielder Zidane Iqbal, once a Manchester United product, is also one to watch.
NORWAY: LW Antonio Nusa
Another potential dark horse despite the backline being a weakness, Norway has multiple forwards who could’ve got the main nod here. Left winger Andreas Schjelderup and right winger Oscar Bobb were options, but it goes to RB Leipzig winger Antonio Nusa. Nusa, 21, primarily plays off the left but can operate well on both sides thanks to his blistering pace and dribbling. If Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard are to get help, Nusa will have to be a consistent source of output and energy.
GROUP J
ARGENTINA: AM Nico Paz
If Argentina hopes to repeat in Lionel Messi’s last dance, they’ll need another boost of youth like it got in 2022 with Julian Alvarez and Fernandez. Both are in the squad this time and will start, with another possible starter being Nico Paz. The former Real Madrid prospect moved to Como in Italy, where he helped the team qualify for the Champions League for the first ever time. Paz is a 6-foot-1 left-footed playmaker who can make something out of nothing, with serious goal threat, too. Those traits sound like Messi, but they’re different profiles. They can definitely co-exist.
ALGERIA: AM Ibrahim Maza
Algeria isn’t a top dark horse for this tournament, but don’t be surprised if they showcase some dazzling football. The Desert Warriors’ top young player to watch is Ibrahim Maza, a 20-year-old attacking midfielder who’s at Leverkusen. The 5-foot-11 Maza is brilliant technically and crafts space like it’s nothing. He’s best playing behind or near a striker as his combination play is top, but he can also drop deep to connect and build up. He’s one of the future attacking midfielders to watch beyond the World Cup.
AUSTRIA: AM/RW Paul Wanner
Austria are building up talent for the future despite lacking quality forward and goalkeeping options. It fares better in midfield and in defense, though some names were omitted. Austria’s name to watch is attacking midfielder Paul Wanner, who can also play as a right winger in certain setups. Wanner is a 20-year-old 6-foot-1 attacker who’s best work comes further up the pitch, and he’s upgraded his defensive abilities a bit more. The Bayern Munich product switched national allegiance from Germany to Austria recently following a permanent transfer to PSV Eindhoven. Time is on his side to illustrate his potential, with Austria being a decent landing spot in international play.
JORDAN: RW Musa Al-Taamari
Jordan follows the trend of some Middle Eastern countries still requiring more future talents. So 28-year-old Musa Al-Taamari enters the frame as he has some room to grow. The 5-foot-10 left-footed winger can operate on either flank and is known for his frightening pace and agility. He’s also a willing defender, which can be a coach’s dream nowadays. He’s played in France’s top flight for four straight years for midtable teams, but his profile could be used one step above if a move materializes.
Group K
PORTUGAL: GK Diogo Costa
It’s Cristiano Ronaldo’s last dance. Will enough players step up for a possible storybook ending? Portugal is mostly stacked across the field and have established players. Similar to the Netherlands, the choice here will be a goalie. Diogo Costa is a well-known name for the hardcore fan, but the 26-year-old goalie should be thinking about his next move from Porto at this stage of his career. A strong tournament will boost his chances as his resume is filled for someone of his age at his position. CB/RB hybrid Tomas Araujo and right winger Francisco Conceicao are other picks to watch.
DR CONGO: CM Noah Sadiki
Many players with Belgian ties have switched nationalities to the Democratic Republic of Congo, so the talent pool has improved, especially involving youngsters. The choice here is versatile midfielder Noah Sadiki, who currently plays for Premier League side Sunderland. The 5-foot-8 midfielder can slot anywhere on the pitch and has a knack for usually being at the right place when necessary. He’s a profile any elite club would want, with 21-year-old goalie Matthieu Epolo and 21-year-old left-footed midfielder Ngal’ayel Mukau other intriguing prospects.
UZBEKISTAN: CB Abdukodir Khusanov
It’s a World Cup debut for Uzbekistan, but unlike fellow debutants that don’t have an established player at an elite club, it’s different here. Abdukodir Khusanov is a 22-year-old center-back at Premier League side Manchester City who developed his way into a starter under Pep Guardiola, who just left the club at the end of the season. Khusanov is known for his incredible pace that has helped him compete at the top level, though there’s still lots of room to grow in other departments. He’s the nation’s best product so far and he has a chance to elevate the country more with a solid tournament.
COLOMBIA: ST Luis Suarez
No, not that one. Colombia has been searching for the dopamine that James Rodriguez brought in 2014. Luis Diaz is the main star, but he’s well known with successful stints at Liverpool and Bayern Munich. The age profiles of Colombia’s team make it a bit difficult, so 28-year-old striker Luis Suarez gets picked. He’s coming off a breakout year with Sporting CP, scoring 28 goals and assisting five in 32 league games. He’s entering his prime and this could be his moment to stand out alongside Diaz. Benfica midfielder Richard Rios, 26, is the honorable mention.
GROUP L
ENGLAND: AM/LW Morgan Rogers
Manager Thomas Tuchel made some gutsy calls by leaving out Phil Foden, Cole Palmer, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Harry Maguire, among many others. Right choices or not, one beneficiary is 23-year-old attacking midfielder Morgan Rogers. Rogers is 6-foot-2 and has come up from Middlesbrough to Aston Villa, where he was central to the team’s recent Europa League triumph. There’s not much he can’t do playing in multiple positions, and it’s likely a good tournament sees him move to one of England’s premier teams. Nico O’Reilly of Manchester City was the choice had he not broken out this season, while Nottingham Forest’s Elliott Anderson is all but set for a bigger transfer.
CROATIA: CM Martin Baturina
Defender Josko Gvardiol broke out in Croatia’s 2022 semifinal run. The country has been home to some elite midfielders in the past decade, so next comes 5-foot-8 Martin Baturina. Mainly a No. 10 who can drop deeper or do a shift on the left flank, Baturina should be next in line for the team’s midfield setup. Like Paz of Argentina, he played a role in getting Como to Champions League football and has the potential elegance to shine for years to come. He’ll need time, of course. CB Luka Vušković, 19, is also one to watch if he gets enough minutes.
GHANA: CM Caleb Yirenkyi
Ghana’s defense isn’t up to par, while 2022 breakout Mohammed Kudus is out with an injury. Fortunately, the Black Stars have several talents in midfield and attack to watch. The choice here is do-it-all midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi, who has even displayed solid shifts as a right-back. He plays for Danish side FC Nordsjælland and should draw plenty of interest as his profile is a growing commodity at the top level. Leicester City’s Abdul Fatawu Issahaku and Lyon’s Ernest Nuamah are young wingers who need good showings, too.
PANAMA: CB Jose Cordoba
Los Canaleros face an uphill climb in this group, but their youngsters have a chance to show what they got. That bodes true for 25-year-old center-back Jose Cordoba, a left-footed defender for EFL Championship side Norwich City. He embodies Concacaf physicality and possesses solid speed to match with evolving technical ability. With the number of elite attackers he’s about to face, should he start, he can make noise for a move as clubs are always on the lookout for mobile and technical left-footed center-backs.
Read more U.S. starts revoking visas allegedly tied to ‘birth tourism’ network