Seven U-17 World Cup 2025 Stars Shining in 2026

With exactly 100 days to go until the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026™ kicks off on 19 November, several players who starred in last year's tournament are already making significant strides at senior level. The 2025 edition, the first to feature 48 teams, proved to be a launchpad for many emerging talents, and seven teenagers in particular have built on that momentum in 2026.

Hamza Abdelkarim (Egypt & Barcelona)

The striker joined Barcelona from Al Ahly on an initial loan deal shortly after an impressive U-17 World Cup campaign in which he scored two goals in four appearances. Abdelkarim went on to shine for the Catalan side's youth team and was selected for Egypt's World Cup 2026 squad. He didn't just travel to North America to make up the numbers either; Abdelkarim featured in four of the Pharaohs' five games as they reached the Round of 16.

His move to Barcelona has since been made permanent, and after a two-goal showing in a pre-season game against Birmingham City, Abdelkarim was hailed as a player with "huge potential" by coach Hansi Flick. "Hamza is very humble and he has a wonderful personality," the Barça boss added.

Weltber Baker (Indonesia)

An accomplished left-back who can also play in central defence, Australia-born Baker's blend of composure and physicality stood out at the 2025 U-17 World Cup. Those qualities were soon recognised at senior level, and in June 2026, Baker became Indonesia's youngest-ever player when he made his debut aged 17 years and 23 days in a win over Oman.

"Saying I'm proud is an understatement," said Baker after his history-making appearance. "It's an amazing feeling to have that record. Hopefully it's the first [cap] of many."

Rayan Fernandez (Belgium & PSV Eindhoven)

The midfielder was Belgium's talisman at the U-17 World Cup, with his three goals including two sumptuous free-kicks. Fernandez has immaculate technique and possesses the close control and dribbling ability to go past players at will. In 2026, Fernandez cemented his position in the PSV Eindhoven first-team squad. He finished the season with 13 appearances for the Dutch champions and scored his maiden senior goal in a 5-1 trouncing of Twente.

Eli Himbert (France & Lyon)

The gifted forward was one of France's shining lights at Qatar 2025. Described by coach Lionel Rouxel as a "model player on and off the pitch", he scored twice at the global finals. Two months after returning from the U-17 World Cup, Himbert made his debut for Lyon in a Ligue 1 game against Brest. A first start soon followed, and the teenage star marked the occasion with a fine goal in a UEFA Europa League victory over PAOK.

He became the club's youngest-ever scorer in European competitions at 17 years and 334 days, beating a record previously held by Karim Benzema. Himbert continued his momentum in Lyon's 2026/27 pre-season campaign, bagging hat-tricks in consecutive friendlies against Macon and St Gallen.

Samuele Inacio (Italy & Borussia Dortmund)

Inacio was tipped to be one of the stars of last year's U-17 World Cup – and emphatically lived up to his billing. His creativity, poise and finishing ability were all on show in Qatar, and he scored four goals as Italy finished third. The versatile teenager, whose football idol is Neymar, is equally comfortable operating as a winger or as an attacking midfielder.

The Borussia Dortmund player made his Bundesliga debut in a showdown with Bayern Munich in February 2026 before scoring his maiden goal for the club against Eintracht Frankfurt.

Looking Ahead to Qatar 2026

The 2026 tournament takes place from 19 November to 13 December, with Qatar hosting its second successive edition. The country will stage the event every year until 2029, providing a consistent platform for the world's best young footballers to showcase their talents on the global stage.