World Cup: Four young player award contenders ahead of quarter-finals

Morocco’s Ayyoub Bouaddi has been named among the leading contenders for the FIFA Young Player Award ahead of the quarter-finals of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Others are France’s Desire Doue, England’s Nico O’Reilly and Spain’s Lamine Yamal.

FIFA highlighted the quartet on Wednesday after their impressive performances in the Round of 16 helped their respective countries secure places in the last eight.

The award is presented to the tournament’s best player born on or after January 1, 2005.

Bouaddi (Morocco)

Morocco midfielder Bouaddi has been one of the standout performers for the Atlas Lions, dictating play from midfield throughout their run to the quarter-finals.

The Lille teenager impressed again in Morocco’s victory over co-hosts Canada and is expected to play a key role when the North Africans face France in the quarter-finals.

Doue (France)

France forward Doue has continued his fine form from club football onto the World Cup stage.

The 21-year-old has started three of France’s five matches, scoring once and winning the decisive penalty converted by Kylian Mbappe in the 1-0 Round of 16 victory over Paraguay.

O’Reilly key for England

England defender O’Reilly has established himself as a regular under manager Thomas Tuchel, starting four of the team’s five matches.

The Manchester City left-back ranks among England’s best performers in pass completion and tackles won and came close to scoring in the Three Lions’ Round of 16 victory over Mexico after striking the post.

Yamal (Spain)

Spain winger Yamal has gradually returned to full fitness after recovering from a hamstring injury sustained before the tournament.

The 18-year-old scored his first World Cup goal against Austria in the Round of 32 before completing the full 90 minutes in Spain’s victory over Portugal, which secured a quarter-final clash with Belgium.

With the tournament entering its decisive stage, the four youngsters will be aiming to strengthen their claims for the FIFA Young Player Award while helping their countries challenge for the World Cup title.