Four-way race for Best Young Player award

The battle among promising young talents is heating up on the pitches of North America as the 2026 World Cup approaches its penultimate stage, with only four matches remaining to determine the winner of the FIFA Best Young Player award for the tournament.

The Round of 16 matches witnessed a striking emergence of several rising stars who led their national teams into the semi-finals. Foremost among them are the Spanish duo Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsí, French striker Déziré Doué, and English defender Nico O’Reilly. This quartet has proven their worth in securing a place on the shortlist for the prestigious award ahead of the anticipated fiery clash in the semi-finals.

Spanish defender Pau Cubarsí has established himself as one of the giants in his country’s backline, despite being just 19 years old. He has played every possible minute in Spain’s six World Cup matches so far. His teammate, 18-year-old Lamine Yamal, has followed in his footsteps, delivering a stunning performance in both the Round of 16 and Round of 16 matches, playing 90 full minutes in each of two consecutive games and winning the Man of the Match award on both occasions.

In the French camp, left winger Déziré Doué has managed to capture attention. He opened his scoring contributions by netting against Norway at the end of the group stage, before continuing his brilliance by providing two consecutive decisive assists in the Round of 16 and Round of 16 matches, leading Les Bleus into the semi-finals.