Early contenders for FIFA Young Player Award at World Cup 2026

The FIFA World Cup 2026 has completed its first round of group matches, and a host of young talents have already made their mark. The FIFA Young Player Award, presented by Aramco, will be given to the best player born on or after 1 January 2005, as selected by the FIFA Technical Study Group. Here are ten early contenders who have shown their credentials.

Nestory Irankunda (Australia)

Irankunda, aged 20 years and 125 days, became Australia's youngest World Cup scorer with a brilliant goal against Turkey. He controlled a long pass from deep, touched the ball inside, accelerated into space, and delivered an emphatic low finish. The Superior Player of the Match was described by former Socceroos boss Ange Postecoglou as having “fantastic speed.” Explosive, direct, athletic, and technically gifted, Irankunda has set a high standard.

Alex Freeman (USA)

The 21-year-old right-sided defender, son of Super Bowl winner Antonio Freeman, impressed in his World Cup debut against Paraguay. Playing for Villarreal, Freeman showcased his physicality and athleticism, contributing on the attacking side with balls in behind and an assist for the fourth USA goal. Coach Mauricio Pochettino said, “Alex Freeman can play like a third centre-back, or he can go forward on the side. When he has the ball, the team can exhale. He's so strong.”

Ayyoub Bouaddi (Morocco)

Against Brazil, the 18-year-old central midfielder delivered a performance that epitomized Mohamed Ouahbi's classy Morocco team. Bouaddi impressed with his intelligence, composure, and diligence. Coach Ouahbi said, “Ayyoub played very well.” His Lille teammate Olivier Giroud praised the great maturity of the teenager, who recently chose to represent Morocco over France. “France’s loss is the Atlas Lions’ gain,” observers noted.

Yan Diomande (Côte d'Ivoire)

At 19, Diomande became Côte d'Ivoire's youngest World Cup player in the win against Ecuador. Trusted by coach Emerse Fae to “make a difference,” Diomande was the obvious choice as Superior Player of the Match after a brilliant display at Philadelphia Stadium. “He can attack, he can play on either wing, he makes runs in behind, he keeps opponents guessing,” said his manager.

Antonio Nusa (Norway)

Part of Norway's formidable front line, Nusa was an electrifying presence on his World Cup debut. The tricky winger with dancing feet caused problems for Iraq from the left flank, justifying his blossoming reputation. He was at the heart of the move leading to Erling Haaland's opening goal, releasing a teammate to set up the close-range finish. “I love one-on-one situations, it’s what I enjoy most about football,” Nusa said.

Ben Gannon-Doak (Scotland)

The creative spark is developing into a major player for Scotland. Equally adept on the right or left, the 20-year-old easily dribbles away from defenders and exhibited electric pace against Haiti, claiming a 'second assist' for the goal. He may relish a battle with Morocco's Achraf Hakimi. “I need to think about it like I’m playing football in the park,” he said of the World Cup stage. “I’ve been playing footie all my life.”

Ibrahim Mbaye (Senegal)

With his goal in Senegal's opener against France, Mbaye became the youngest World Cup scorer for an African nation, aged 18 years and 142 days. His achievement highlights the emerging talent from the continent.

Joao Neves (Portugal)

The Portuguese midfielder has entered the conversation with composed performances in the opening matches, showcasing his technical ability and vision.

Luc de Fougerolles (Canada)

The defender impressed for Canada with solid defensive displays, demonstrating composure beyond his years.

Other Notable Mentions

Several other young players have also caught the eye, including those from teams not yet mentioned. The race for the FIFA Young Player Award is wide open after the first round of matches.