Now that the dust has settled on the World Cup 2026, we thought we would look at the FM26 wonderkids who shone in Canada, Mexico and the USA.
Without further ado, here are the FM26 wonderkids who shone at the World Cup: (Please note, I have not included Spain’s Lamine Yamal, as he could probably have an article on just him!)
Pau Cubarsi (Barcelona)
He may have been in the shadow of his Barcelona and Spain teammate, Lamine Yamal, but the 19-year-old was outstanding for La Roja during the World Cup. He was part of a Spain defence that conceded just once in the whole of the tournament.
The centre-back was so outstanding that he won the Young Player of the Tournament.
@fifaworldcup A special moment for a rising star ✨Pau Cubarsí receives the FIFA Young Player Award presented by @aramco #FIFAWorldCup ♬ original sound – FIFA World Cup
Cubarsi has established himself in the Barcelona defence in recent seasons, and he will only go from strength to strength in the future.
The young defender’s FM26 starting stats are impressive, especially for a player of his age. His stats improve, and he becomes one of the best centre-backs in the game.
Ayyoub Bouaddi (Morocco)
Despite his tender years, the 18-year-old started five games at the World Cup and, at times, defied his years as Morocco made it through to the quarter-finals, only to exit the competition against France.
He produced some highly commanding displays, which only added to his fast-growing reputation as one of the best young up-and-coming central midfielders. Bouaddi is one of our favourite FM26 wonderkids, so we are slightly biased.
That is because, from FM24, the midfielder becomes an absolute beast in the game. Very few players can compare when he reaches his prime.
At the start of FM26, he is just 17 years of age, with very high stats, including +15 ratings in technique, passing, marking and determination.
His impressive stats are reflected in his high value, as at the start of the game he is valued at £78-94m, which is a lot to pay for any player.
However, he is a top player and becomes a key player, so if you are willing to and can splash out on Bouaddi, then I wouldn’t advise against it.
In real life, the youngster has been linked with big-money moves to Manchester City and Manchester United.
Gilberto Mora (Mexico)
The 17-year-old is one of the most renowned FM26 wonderkids, as on most saves he becomes one of the must-have players later in the game.
Mora was the youngest player at the 2026 World Cup, and the sixth youngest player to ever appear in the tournament.
Only Brazil legend Pele started a World Cup game at a younger age, while he was the youngest ever Mexican to play at a World Cup. He ended up making four starts and one substitute appearance.
In FM26, Mora is just 16 when the game starts and is contracted to Tijuana in his homeland. His stats are extraordinary in the game, with +15 ratings in technique, flair and first touch, while many of his other stats are just below.
European clubs can’t sign him until he turns 18, which is in the January 2027 transfer window. As he is so highly rated, it’s not surprising that his value is £4.6-6.8m. When he does move to the European game, he is usually purchased for less than £10m.
In most of my games, he ends up at Manchester City, where he becomes a world star. I have very rarely signed him, as he is valued so highly when he reaches his prime.
However, when I have signed him, he cost me around £150m. It’s hard for any player to justify that sort of fee. He did score a lot of goals and produced a lot of assists in five seasons with me, before I sold him at 30 for £80m to PSG.
Gustavo Puerta (Colombia)
The central midfielder was a solid presence in the heart of the Colombian midfield, as the South American team reached the last 16 of the World Cup, only to exit via penalty shootout against Switzerland.
Puerta made five appearances in the competition and enhanced his ever-growing reputation in real life.
Puerta moved to Spanish club Racing Santander in September 2025 and has impressed in their midfield after spending the 2024/25 season on loan at Hull City in the English Championship.
The 22-year-old midfielder is a hidden gem on FM26, as his ratings are high. For instance, his passing, determination, bravery and aggression are all +15.
As for value, he has a very useful £17.25M release clause in his Racing Santander contract. For a player of his solid quality, and potential to improve, that is a steal for most clubs in European football’s top-five leagues.
Who was your favourite FM26 wonderkid at the 2026 World Cup?
