The race for the prestigious FIFA Young Player Award of the 2026 World Cup is heating up already as the tournament progresses into the Round of 32.
The FIFA Young Player Award, which will be presented to the tournament’s most outstanding player born on or after January 1, 2005, has turned into a showcase of Africa’s incredible youth depth.
Already, African youngsters have emerged among the favourites tipped to win the award at the end of the tournament.
Here are the five African wonderkids heavily tipped to claim the tournament’s ultimate individual youth prize:
Côte d’Ivoire duo Yan Diomande and Christ Inao Oulai
Diomande has been one of the breakout stars of the tournament. The 19-year-old RB Leipzig forward provided an assist in Côte d’Ivoire’s 2-0 win over Curaçao and became the only player this century to complete 10 dribbles and create 10 chances across his first three World Cup appearances.
His teammate, Christ Inao Oulai, also received praise for his influential displays in midfield, playing a key role in the Elephants’ progression to the Round of 32.
Algeria’s Ibrahim Maza
Maza also made FIFA’s shortlist after featuring in all three group-stage matches. The youngster was named the Superior Player of the Match in Algeria’s victory over Jordan that sealed their place in the knockout rounds.
Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi
Bouaddi has also impressed with his maturity and composure in the middle of the park. The 18-year-old helped the Atlas Lions secure qualification before producing another assured display in their Round of 32 victory over the Netherlands, registering two shots during his 79 minutes on the pitch.
Senegal winger Ibrahim Mbaye
Mbaye completes the list of African contenders. The youngster made history earlier in the tournament by becoming the youngest African player to score at a FIFA World Cup, finding the net against France at the age of 18 years and 143 days.
The five African talents are heavily tipped to compete alongside six other rising stars from around the world for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Young Player Award, which recognises the tournament’s best emerging talent.
