It’s not just World Cup veterans Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo who have left their mark on the 2026 tournament – the next generation is also making a huge impression.
Of the 85 players under the age of 21 selected to play in the United States, Mexico and Canada, many have embraced the moment and are playing without fear.
Ibrahim Mbaye of Senegal, aged 18 years and 143 days, became the fourth-youngest scorer in World Cup history when he scored the Lions of Teranga’s final consolation in a 3-1 defeat to France in New Jersey on June 16.
Five days later, Lamin Yamal (18 years and 343 days) beat Saudi Arabia 4-0 in Atlanta for the first time in Spanish history.
Other young people went unnoticed.
Mexico’s teenage attacking midfielder Gilberto Mora wasn’t even born when Messi, Ronaldo and Luka Modric played at the 2006 World Cup.
Mora became the youngest player to represent his country at a World Cup (17 years and 240 days) when he came on as a substitute in the 2-0 win over South Africa, the very first game of the tournament on 11 June.
We already knew that Lamin Yamal would be a key player at the World Championships.
But who are the young stars who will emerge from the group stage? BBC Sport looks at five who have caught the eye.