Move over Messi and Ronaldo - the new generation shining at World Cup

Key developments are emerging from the global stage. Move over Messi and Ronaldo - the new generation shining at World CupImage source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Of the 85 players aged 21 or younger at the World Cup, one is aged 17, 11 are 18, 8 are 19, while there are 28 aged 20 and 37 aged 21ByNeil JohnstonBBC Sport journalist in New YorkPublished3 hours agoIt's not just World Cup veterans Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo who have made their mark at the 2026 tournament - the next generation is also making a huge impression. Of the 85 players aged 21 or under selected to feature in the United States, Mexico and Canada, many have seized the moment and are playing without fear. Senegal's Ibrahim Mbaye, aged 18 years and 143 days, became the fourth youngest goalscorer in World Cup history when he scored a late consolation for the Lions of Teranga in a 3-1 defeat by France in New Jersey on 16 June.

Five days later, Lamine Yamal (18 years and 343 days) popped up with Spain's first in a 4-0 victory over Saudi Arabia in Atlanta. Other youngsters have flown under the radar. Mexico's teenage attacking midfielder Gilberto Mora was not even born when Messi, Ronaldo and Luka Modric played at the 2006 World Cup.

The Details

Mora became the youngest player to represent a home nation at the World Cup (17 years and 240 days) when he came on as a substitute in a 2-0 win over South Africa, the very first game of this tournament on 11 June. We already knew Lamine Yamal would be a key player at the World Cup. But who are the young breakout stars to emerge from the group stage?

Sport looks at five who have caught the eye. Who will win Golden Boot? Catch up on the World Cup without any spoilers Published11 JuneAyyoub Bouaddi (Morocco, aged 18)Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Against Scotland, Bouaddi became only the fourth African player aged 18 or younger to start multiple matches at a World CupOn his World Cup debut against Brazil on 13 June, Lille midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi became the second youngest player this century to record 50-plus passes in a World Cup game (66) during an eye-catching display.

Former England captain Alan Shearer, working at the Brazil game for Sport, was impressed. "Bouaddi was composed on the ball and tried to dictate things in the middle of the park," he said. The teenager later became the first player aged 18 or under to have two games since 1966 with 50-plus passes (64 v Scotland).

What Experts Say

The maths whizz turned teen star who chose Morocco over France Published19 JuneGroup guides & last-32 schedule Yan Diomande (Ivory Coast, aged 19)Image source, Getty ImagesImage caption, Yan Diomande has already played in La Liga (Leganes) and the Bundesliga (RB Leipzig)Paris St-Germain are interested in Yan Diomande. So too are Liverpool. And it's not hard to see why when you study this master-dribbler at this World Cup.

The RB Leipzig teenager created five chances in the 1-0 win over Ecuador before registering two key passes in a 2-1 defeat by Germany.

The story has become one of the most prominent items on the global agenda.