Every FIFA World Cup creates new heroes, but the Best Young Player Award often predicts football’s next global superstar. From Kylian Mbappé to Enzo Fernández, several winners have gone on to dominate the game after shining on its biggest stage. But what exactly is the FIFA World Cup Best Young Player Award, who is eligible to win it, and how does FIFA decide the winner? Here’s everything you need to know before following the race for the honor in 2026.

What is the FIFA World Cup Best Young Player Award, and who is eligible to win?

The FIFA World Cup Best Young Player Award recognizes the tournament’s most outstanding young footballer. FIFA first introduced the award during the 2006 World Cup in Germany, where Lukas Podolski became its inaugural winner. Since then, it has celebrated emerging stars capable of influencing matches against the world’s strongest opponents.

For the 2026 tournament, only players born on or after January 1, 2005, qualify for consideration. That rule means every eligible player is 21 years old or younger during the competition. The award isn’t based only on goals or assists. Defenders, midfielders, and goalkeepers can also win if their performances consistently shape their team’s success.

Interestingly, no defender has claimed the prize since its introduction, although Spain’s Pau Cubarsi could change that in 2026.

How is the FIFA World Cup Best Young Player Award decided?

The award isn’t determined by a single outstanding match. Instead, FIFA evaluates performances across the entire tournament, including the group stage and knockout rounds. Consistency matters just as much as moments of brilliance.

Technical quality, tactical intelligence, leadership, creativity, defensive impact, and influence during important matches all play significant roles. Players who deliver under pressure naturally strengthen their chances. While statistics such as goals, assists, tackles, passes, and clean sheets help support a player’s case, FIFA also considers overall influence beyond the numbers.

Winning the World Cup isn’t an official requirement. However, history suggests players from teams reaching the latter stages usually enjoy a clear advantage because they perform on the tournament’s biggest occasions.

Who votes for the FIFA World Cup Best Young Player Award?

Unlike fan-voted awards, the FIFA Technical Study Group decides the FIFA World Cup Best Young Player Award. This panel consists of experienced coaches, former players, technical analysts, and football experts appointed by FIFA before each tournament.

The group watches every match closely while analyzing player performances using both traditional scouting and modern performance data. Although FIFA previously allowed public voting when introducing the award in 2006, the final decision now rests with the Technical Study Group. That approach ensures selections focus on footballing performance rather than popularity or social media attention.

What is the age limit for the FIFA World Cup Best Young Player Award?

The age requirement is straightforward. Eligible players must be born on or after January 1, 2005, for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Rather than using a player’s age during the tournament, FIFA applies a fixed birth-date cutoff before each edition.

This system ensures every candidate belongs to the same generation, creating a level playing field. The award has consistently highlighted footballers before they reach their peak years. Previous winners include Lukas Podolski, Thomas Müller, Paul Pogba, Kylian Mbappé, and Enzo Fernández.

Three of those winners are Pelé in the retroactive selection for 1958, Mbappé in 2018, and Enzo Fernández in 2022, who also lifted the World Cup trophy alongside the individual award.

Who are the top contenders for the FIFA World Cup 2026 Best Young Player Award?

Spain’s teenage duo, Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi, currently lead the race. Yamal, 19, has once again shown why many consider him one of football’s brightest young talents. Although his goal tally remains modest, his dribbling, creativity, and ability to change matches have been crucial throughout Spain’s run to the final. He also won the decisive penalty during Spain’s semifinal victory over France, strengthening an already impressive tournament.

Cubarsi has built an equally convincing case for the defense. The 19-year-old has played every minute of Spain’s campaign while helping La Roja concede only one goal before the final. His composure, passing range, and defensive awareness have stood out against elite attackers, including France’s Kylian Mbappé. If selected, he would become the first defender ever to receive the award.

France winger Désiré Doué remains another leading contender, with an outstanding season at Paris Saint-Germain carrying into the World Cup. Portugal midfielder João Neves, Brazil forward Endrick, England’s versatile Nico O’Reilly, and Mexico teenager Gilberto Mora have also impressed.

Turkey’s Arda Güler, Norway’s Antonio Nusa, Argentina’s Nico Paz, Côte d’Ivoire winger Yan Diomande, and Croatia defender Luka Vušković complete a remarkably talented group.

Still, with Spain reaching the final and both Lamine Yamal and Pau Cubarsi delivering standout performances throughout the tournament, the race for the Best Young Player Award increasingly looks like a battle between the two Spanish stars. If Spain lifts the trophy, there’s a strong chance the individual honor will stay in the European champions’ dressing room.