Under-21 - Viva Sports HQ

World Cup 2026

Under-21 Players to Watch — No.1: Lamine Yamal, 18 years old, arguably the best player in the world, and just getting started

Lamine Yamal is 18 years old. He is arguably the best player in the world right now, regardless of age. Spain are the tournament favourites and he is the reason. This is not hyperbole — it is the assessment of everyone watching closely enough to know.

World Cup 2026

Under-21 Players to Watch — No.2: Jamal Musiala, the player Germany built their World Cup around — and the injury comeback that makes him more dangerous

Jamal Musiala is 22 years old and the best player Germany have had in a generation. He missed significant time through injury. He is back. Players who return from injury with a point to prove at a World Cup tend to produce the tournament's most memorable moments.

World Cup 2026

Under-21 Players to Watch — No.3: João Neves, the PSG midfielder who has already won everything — except a World Cup

João Neves is 21 years old and has already won back-to-back Champions League titles with PSG. He is Portugal's most important midfielder. The list of things he hasn't won is getting shorter. A World Cup is next on it.

World Cup 2026

Under-21 Players to Watch — No.4: Arda Güler, Real Madrid's Turkish genius and the most naturally gifted player nobody talks about enough

Arda Güler plays for Real Madrid and starts for Turkey at 20 years old. He has the vision of a seasoned playmaker and the nerve of someone who has never found a big stage frightening. Turkey's World Cup depends on how far his creativity can carry them.

World Cup 2026

Under-21 Players to Watch — No.5: Endrick, the teenage striker who found himself at Lyon — and arrives at Brazil's World Cup ready

Endrick is 19 years old, scored eight goals and added eight assists on loan at Lyon, and helped them qualify for the Champions League. Real Madrid paid €72m for him. Brazil have been waiting for him to arrive. In 2026, he has.

Germany

Under-21 Players to Watch — No.7: Lennart Karl, Viva's wildcard — the 18-year-old Germany cannot stop picking

Under-21 Players to Watch — No.7: Lennart Karl, Viva's wildcard — the 18-year-old Germany cannot stop picking Viva's wildcard. Every countdown needs one — the pick that raises eyebrows, that makes people check the name, that requires a genuine argument rather than consensus validation. Lennart Karl is that

France

Under-21 Players to Watch — No.8: Warren Zaïre-Emery, the PSG engine France are quietly building around

There is a version of this countdown that only rewards the spectacular. The technicolour dribbler, the teenage goal machine, the player who makes the crowd gasp. Warren Zaïre-Emery does not belong in that version. He belongs in the version that reflects how football actually works — how matches are won and

World Cup 2026

Under-21 Players to Watch — No.6: Pau Cubarsí, the 19-year-old who defends like he has been doing it for decades

Pau Cubarsí is 19 years old and is already Spain's first-choice centre-back. The Barcelona defender plays with a composure and tactical intelligence that makes opponents — and analysts — do a double take at his age. He is the best young defender at this tournament. It is not close.