The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off in North America on June 11, marking the beginning of a new era for the tournament with an expanded 48-team format. Among the nations set to compete are 10 teams from the MENA region, bringing with them a new generation of football talent eager to make their mark on the world’s biggest stage. From breakout teenagers to rising stars already turning heads at club level, these are the youngest and most promising MENA footballers to keep an eye on throughout the tournament.
Bilal El Khannouss – Morocco
Age: 22
Club: VfB Stuttgart
Despite his young age, Bilal El Khannouss already has plenty of experience under his belt. The Moroccan midfielder was part of Morocco’s historic squad that reached the semi-finals of the 2022 FIFA World Cup and has since become one of the nation’s most exciting creative talents. In 2024, the attacking midfielder moved to Leicester, but is now in the Bundesliga with VfB Stuttgart.
Ayyoub Bouaddi – Morocco
Age: 18
Club: LOSC Lille
One of the brightest young prospects in European football, Ayyoub Bouaddi has been turning heads since breaking into Lille’s first team as a teenager. The midfielder became one of the youngest players ever to feature for the French club and has earned praise for his maturity, intelligence, and confidence far beyond his years. While he’s still at the beginning of his journey, many see Bouaddi as one of Morocco’s future stars and a player capable of becoming a key figure for the national team for years to come.
Musab Al-Juwayr – Saudi Arabia
Age: 22
Club: Al-Qadsiah
After impressing in the Saudi Pro League, Al-Juwayr secured a move to Al-Qadsiah in August 2025 on a five-year deal. The midfielder has also been representing Saudi Arabia at the senior international level since 2023, further cementing his status as one of the nation’s brightest rising stars.
Rayan Elloumi – Tunisia
Age: 18
Club: Vancouver Whitecaps FC
Rayan Elloumi is one of Tunisia’s most exciting young prospects. The dynamic attacker has earned attention for his pace, technical ability, and knack for creating dangerous opportunities in the final third. Born in Canada, Elloumi represents Tunisia on the international stage while playing for Vancouver Whitecaps FC, whom he joined in 2024. As he continues to develop in Major League Soccer, the young forward is emerging as a player capable of playing a key role in Tunisia’s future.
Ibrahim Maza – Algeria
Age: 20
Club: Bayer 04 Leverkusen
The attacking midfielder made a name for himself in Germany with his creativity, dribbling ability, and knack for finding space between the lines. In October 2024, Maza was called up to the Algeria national football team for the first time for a pair of 2025 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Togo. After choosing to represent Algeria internationally, he quickly became one of the country’s most talked-about young players.
Hamza Abdelkarim – Egypt
Age: 18
Club: Barcelona (on loan from Al Ahly)
Hamza Abdelkarim is widely regarded as one of Egypt’s brightest football prospects. The young striker currently plays for Barcelona Atlètic on loan from Al Ahly SC, while also representing the Egypt national team. Known for his strength, blistering pace, and clinical finishing, the two-footed forward has quickly earned a reputation as one of the most exciting young talents in African football.
From Morocco and Algeria to Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, and Egypt, these young players highlight the growing depth of football talent emerging from the MENA region. As the FIFA World Cup 2026 unfolds, they’ll have the opportunity to showcase their skills on the sport’s biggest stage, and perhaps take the first step toward becoming the next generation of football stars.
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