World Cup best young player predictions: Who will win in 2026?
World Cup best young player predictions: Who will win in 2026?
Seth Vertelney, USA TODAYTue, June 9, 2026 at 11:45 AM UTC
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In addition to the ultimate prize at the 2026 World Cup, there will be individual awards up for grabs.
The FIFA Young Player Award is a relatively new innovation, first awarded in 2006 when Germany's Lukas Podolski won the prize.
Podolski was followed by some of the best players in their generation, Thomas Müller, Paul Pogba, Kylian Mbappe and Enzo Fernandez.
In order to be eligible for this year's award, a player must have been less than 21 years old at the start of 2026.
Who will win at this World Cup? Here are our staff's predictions:
Lamine Yamal, Spain
Even if he doesn't light up this World Cup like he did Euro 2024, Yamal should win the award if Spain makes a deep run. - Jesse Yomtov
Pau Cubarsí, Spain
Spain's other teenager, Cubarsí isn't nearly as flashy as Lamine Yamal, but he was ever-present for Barcelona this past season, starting 31 La Liga games in the middle of the Spanish champion's defense. - Matt Glenesk
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Lamine Yamal, Spain
The hamstring injury is a concern, but he's back on the training ground and should be fit for the knockouts. His tournament will give him more chances to shine than, say, Mexico's Gilberto Mora. - Jon Arnold
Désiré Doué, France
A hamstring injury gives me pause to pick Lamine Yamal. Doué is coming off a UEFA Champions League victory with PSG and the vibes are good with the French winger. - Jim Reineking
Désiré Doué, France
A key component of the Paris Saint-Germain squad that has won consecutive Champions League titles, Doué is an important piece for the France attack. He has the flexibility to play across the frontline and knack of scoring important goals. Both should help Les Blues advance deep into the tournament. - Erick Smith
Lamine Yamal, Spain
Even with him potentially missing Spain's opening match, is there any other answer? - Victoria Hernandez
Lamine Yamal, Spain
I want to pick someone else just to be different, but when you have an 18-year-old who is a leading contender for the Golden Ball, it's hard to see this award going to anyone but Yamal — provided his hamstring holds up. - Seth Vertelney
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2026 World Cup best young player predictions
Source: “AOL Sports”
