5 Breakout Stars to Watch For at the 2026 Men's World Cup

Breakout stars used to be one of the most exciting aspects of a FIFA World Cup. Players would seemingly emerge out of nowhere into the public consciousness and onto the biggest clubs' transfer radars.

Now, the hype machine starts building around many of the world's best players before they've played first-team football. Even the late bloomers will receive a decent amount of shine before really having their star-making moment. And for clubs, the small sample size of a good World Cup performance is no longer viewed as a measuring stick for finding the next big thing.

But that doesn't mean the World Cup can no longer be a platform for players to raise their stock. We just have to adjust our expectations. The names on this list will likely be known to many, but the goal is to identify players who are not currently perceived as among the very best in the world at their position and could take that leap this summer.

Having already won a major international title or league competition rules players out of consideration, so two-time UEFA Champions League winners Désiré Doué and João Neves miss out, for example, as does European champion and three-time La Liga winner Lamine Yamal. 

We're also looking for likely starters for their countries to identify players who could have the biggest impact, so players like Rayan Cherki, Morgan Rogers and Nico Paz didn't make the cut.

Yan Diomande, Côte d'Ivoire

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Yan Diomande only started playing in a top European league in March 2025, in La Liga for Leganes, after a career that had previously seen him playing semi-professionally in the United States.

In just 10 appearances, though, the winger convinced RB Leipzig that he was worth pursuing. While the Bundesliga club has developed a reputation for developing stars, even they must be amazed by how the 19-year-old has fared in his first full season of top-tier football.

In 33 league appearances, Diomande registered 20 goal involvements (12 goals and eight assists). According to The Athletic's David Ornstein and Sebastian Stafford-Bloor, Liverpool are now interested in a deal for the Ivorian that could cost around $150 million. 

Diomande's production stands out on its own, but his two-footedness makes him an incredible threat out wide. The forward is nominally right-footed, but he scored seven of his 12 goals with his left foot, according to FotMob. That unpredictability makes him a nightmare to stop for defenders, and his ability to already combine that talent with end product at his age puts him in rare company.

Against Curaçao, Ecuador, and Germany, Diomande will have the opportunity to impress against a good variety of opposition in the group stage. If Ivory Coast progresses, he will likely be a major concern for knockout-round opposition.

Antonio Nusa, Norway

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Diomande's teammate with RB Leipzig at club level, Antonio Nusa is part of the Norway team that reached its country's first World Cup since 1998.

The main man in that achievement was obviously Erling Haaland — 16 goals in eight games of the qualification campaign inevitably cast a vast shadow over his teammates. But while Nusa will likely never stack up to the Manchester City frontman, he is still a threat in his own right.

In the Bundesliga last season, Nusa finished third in successful dribbles, joint-eighth in expected assists and joint-eighth in shots (all per 90 minutes) among wingers, according to FotMob. Those numbers are a useful illustration of his ability to provide a serious threat in 1v1 battles and produce after getting away from his man.

In truth, the 21-year-old is probably still scratching the surface of his talent, but he passes the eye test without question. Nusa's goal against Sweden on Monday showcased his ability to generate tremendous shooting power and accuracy even in tight spaces, making him hard to stop for even the best defenders.

Elliot Anderson, England

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Nottingham Forest's Elliot Anderson has become a guaranteed starter for England in just seven international appearances. 

While the speed of his ascent illustrates how desperately the country has needed to find a midfielder capable of controlling the tempo of games, Anderson isn't merely a system fit — he could be the new template for a Premier League midfielder.

Anderson's ability to combine defensive steel with ball progression and retention makes him ideal for any team, so much so that Manchester City are interested in a deal that could cost around $140 million, according to The Athletic's David Ornstein and Laurie Whitwell. 

At the World Cup, Anderson could be the difference-maker for an England team that has become international football's nearly men. And while that could be a lot of pressure to place on the 23-year-old's shoulders, he has consistently risen to the occasion when asked, first to become a Premier League mainstay with Forest, then as an outright star for his club before settling in nicely at international level.

It arguably shouldn't be a surprise if Anderson once again proves there's another level to his game.

Kenan Yıldız, Türkiye

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Türkiye should be considered one of the competition's dark horses. Real Madrid midfielder Arda Güler will be considered the star man, but Juventus' Kenan Yıldız isn't far behind. 

The 21-year-old recorded 16 goal involvements in 33 league appearances for Juventus this season. Beyond the headline stats, he was also second in expected assists in Serie A, joint-third in big chances created and second among attacking midfielders in expected goals, per FotMob.

Operating across the front line, Yıldız has already proved his potential as a potential match-winner, and his sweet dribbling ability alone could make him a star of highlight reels at the World Cup. 

In their final qualification match, Türkiye drew 2-2 with European champions Spain. That ability to go head-to-head with the very best teams could put Yıldız in the spotlight for the tournament's later stages. If he shines there, it wouldn't be a surprise if Juventus struggles to keep hold of him much longer.

Nico O'Reilly, England

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Another relative newcomer to the England team, Nico O'Reilly has quickly wrapped up the problem left-back spot for Thomas Tuchel's team. 

In addition to drawing his international manager's admiration, the 21-year-old became one of Pep Guardiola's key players for Manchester City this season. Despite minimal fanfare entering the season, the academy product made 53 appearances, featuring at both left-back and in central midfield.

O'Reilly's experience as a midfielder ensures he is comfortable retaining possession across the field. Few full-backs can match his blend of size and speed, and while it wouldn't be a surprise to see him develop into a world-class midfielder, O'Reilly could have just as promising a future on the flank.

But while O'Reilly was a nice surprise for Manchester City this season, his excellent performances mean he will now have to adjust to an entirely new set of expectations. If he can rise to the occasion, O'Reilly could put himself in the conversation among the world's best left-backs.