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FIFA has announced the contenders for the Best Young Player Award at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Spain’s Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi emerging as the leading favourites after impressive performances during the tournament.
First introduced in 2006, the award recognises the tournament’s outstanding player under the age of 21, celebrating exceptional performances, skill and overall impact on the World Cup.
FIFA said the award is more than just a recognition of achievement, describing it as a tribute to the talent, ambition and potential of football’s next generation.
Yamal and Cubarsi have played key roles in helping European champions Spain reach the World Cup final, making them strong contenders for the honour.
Among the other nominees is Mexico’s Gilberto Mora, who became the youngest player at this year’s World Cup. He also became Mexico’s youngest-ever World Cup player and the youngest player to start a knockout match since Brazilian legend Pele in 1958, when he was named in the starting line-up against Ecuador in the round of 16.
France winger Desire Doue, who has been instrumental in his team’s run to the semi-finals, is also in contention, along with England’s Nico O’Reilly, another standout young performer at the tournament.
Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi has also impressed with his mature displays. Before the World Cup, he became the youngest player to make 50 appearances in France’s top-flight Ligue 1.
Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez won the award at the 2022 FIFA World Cup after helping his country lift the trophy in Qatar.
