The 48 participating teams have finalized their squads for the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to kick off on June 11 across Canada, Mexico, and the United States. With a focus on youth in many camps, this tournament promises a blend of veteran experience and exciting emerging stars.
Several teams have bet heavily on fresh legs. Ivory Coast boasts the youngest squad overall, with an average age of approximately 25.35 years.
They are followed closely by Ecuador (around 25.58), Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Morocco (both around 25.92 years).
Other notably youthful sides include Tunisia, Spain, Norway, South Africa, Algeria, and the USA.
In contrast, Panama announced the oldest squad (average age ~30), with no players under 24.
The Premier League dominates as the biggest contributor, supplying over 150 players.
It is followed by Germany’s Bundesliga (109 players), with France’s Ligue 1 and Spain’s La Liga each providing around 86.
Manchester City leads clubs with 19 players called up, ahead of Bayern Munich (18), Arsenal, and PSG (16 each).
This global talent pool underscores the Premier League’s status as the world’s most competitive league.
The real excitement however, lies in the next generation of superstars who could define the tournament:
Lamine Yamal (Spain, 18) — The Barcelona sensation continues to dazzle and is expected to anchor Spain’s attack.
Gilberto Mora (Mexico, 17) — The youngest player at the tournament (turning 18 in October). The Tijuana midfielder could make history as a teenage standout.
Yan Diomande (Ivory Coast, 19) and Bazoumana Touré (20) — Key reasons behind Ivory Coast’s youthful squad; big clubs are already monitoring them closely.
Nico Paz (Argentina, ~21) — Tipped as a potential successor to Lionel Messi, the attacking midfielder is one to watch for creative magic.
Lennart Karl (Germany, 18) — A Bayern Munich breakout star expected to impress.
Arda Güler (Türkiye), Pau Cubarsí (Spain), João Neves (Portugal), Endrick / Rayan (Brazil), Antonio Nusa (Norway), and Ibrahim Mbaye (Senegal) — All highly rated talents poised for breakout performances.
These young players could follow in the footsteps of past World Cup stars who exploded onto the global stage.
Football fans in Uganda won’t miss a single moment, as DStv will broadcast all 104 matches live across every package — including the lowest Access bouquet.
Expect dedicated channels, expert analysis, highlights, and more.
Everything can wait when the World Cup is on! The stage is set for a thrilling tournament where youth meets experience.
Which young star are you most excited to see, and which team will go all the way?
Let the games begin!
