Five 2026 World Cup Breakout Stars Catching Premier League Eyes
The Guardian has published a scouting report highlighting five players who have caught the eye at the 2026 World Cup and could soon be attracting attention from top European clubs, including sides in the Premier League.
Bilal Bouaddi – Morocco
The Lille midfielder has been one of the tournament’s most composed performers. Operating as the deepest of Morocco’s midfield three, Bouaddi plays quickly, finds colleagues in advanced positions and reads danger well. At 6ft 1in with strong technical ability and football intelligence, The Guardian suggests he will not remain at Lille for much longer. The one area flagged for improvement is his contribution in front of goal.
Alex Freeman – USA
Mauricio Pochettino’s United States side have been one of the tournament’s early stories, and right-back Freeman — the youngest player in the squad — has been central to that. The 2026 World Cup is being held in North America, and Freeman has looked assured in possession, preferring an early pass over a long ball. He moved from Orlando to Spanish side Villarreal in January and showed his bravery by heading in against Australia shortly after a heavy clash of heads.
Ilay Muharemovic – Bosnia and Herzegovina
The 6ft 4in centre-back has been calm under pressure and tidy in possession throughout the tournament, consistently looking to play forward rather than sideways. He is contracted to Juventus and spent last season on loan at Sassuolo, where he helped them win promotion to Serie A. A red card against Switzerland in the 80th minute cost his side dearly, but The Guardian noted he could hold his head high as he left the pitch.
Eli Just – New Zealand
Perhaps the most intriguing name for British football fans: Just spent last season at Motherwell in the Scottish Premiership and has now showcased his ability on a global stage. A late developer who previously played in Denmark and Austria, he has benefited from partnering Chris Wood up front. He scored twice against Iran with well-placed right-foot finishes and can also strike with his left. Keep an eye on the live standings to track New Zealand’s progress.
Manzambi – DR Congo
Coming off the bench against Bosnia and Herzegovina, Manzambi made an immediate impact — scoring two late goals to effectively end the game. The powerful, right-footed forward timed his runs perfectly to exploit the space left after Muharemovic’s dismissal.
For more context on these players and their nations, visit our World Cup 2026 hub.