Matt Oldfield’s World Cup footballers you’ve never heard of

Eloy Room, Curaçao

I definitely have Room for this great goalkeeper in my list (geddit?). At the age of 37 he must have feared that his World Cup chances were over, but no, thanks to Room’s two clean sheets against Jamaica, his country, Curaçao, have finally made it to the main event! (81st)

Roberto Lopes, Cape Verde

Born and raised in the Republic of Ireland, Lopes was playing as a centre back for Shamrock Rovers when in 2019 he suddenly received a message from the coach of Cape Verde, the African country his father is from. Fast forward to October 2025, and Lopes helped to lead Cape Verde all the way to their first World Cup! (67th)

Abbosbek Fayzullaev, Uzbekistan

At the age of 22 Fayzullaev has 30 caps for his country and eight important goals. Four of those, including a free kick against Iran, came in Uzbekistan’s successful World Cup qualifying campaign, so this small, skilful right winger is definitely one to watch out for this summer. (52nd)

Red-hot rising stars

Gilberto Mora, Mexico

I can’t wait to see this wonderkid play. Mora made his debut for Mexico at the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup aged 16, and three matches and one classy assist later the midfielder broke Lamine Yamal’s record to become the youngest player to win a senior international trophy. (16th)

Lennart Karl, Germany

Karl hasn’t even made his senior debut for Germany yet, but based on his form for Bayern Munich he’ll surely be in their World Cup squad. The 17-year-old attacking midfield ace recently became the youngest player in Champions League history to score in three consecutive games. (10th)

Estêvão, Brazil

This 18-year-old winger is seen as Brazil’s most talented player since Neymar, and with five international goals in 11 games he could end up being even more successful. After a strong start at Chelsea, Estêvão is ready to light up the World Cup with his flashy samba footwork. (5th)

Franco Mastantuono, Argentina

Mastantuono made his club debut for River Plate at the age of 16, and a year later became Argentina’s youngest senior international. Now, aged 18, he’s starring on the right wing for Real Madrid, and he has already worn Argentina’s famous “10” shirt. First Maradona, then Messi, next Mastantuono! (2nd)

Breakout Ballers

Antonio Nusa, Norway

We all know about Erling Haaland and Martin Odegaard, but Nusa could be Norway’s secret World Cup weapon. The 20-year-old left winger hasn’t hit top form for his club RB Leipzig yet but has been brilliant for his country. If you want proof, check out his wondergoal against Italy in qualifying. (32nd)

Ibrahim Maza, Algeria

Striker Mohamed Amoura was the star of Algeria’s World Cup qualifying campaign, but since then it has all been about this young midfield playmaker. Maza’s main strengths are his dribbling and creativity but, as he showed at the Africa Cup of Nations, he’s capable of scoring great goals too. (28th)

Joel Ordóñez, Ecuador

In qualifying Ecuador surprised everyone by finishing second behind Argentina. The main reason? Their deadly defence, featuring PSG’s Willian Pacho and Arsenal’s Piero Hincapié, plus Ordóñez, a young, athletic centre back who plays for Club Brugge. (23rd)

Johan Manzambi, Switzerland

Right wing, left wing, defensive or attacking — Manzambi can play anywhere. The 20-year-old made his senior international debut in June, and he has already grabbed three goals and an assist. (18th)

Matt Oldfield is author of the bestselling Unbelievable Football series, published by Wren & Rook. His new World Book Day special, Unbelievable Football: The Most Amazing World Cup Stories You Never Knew, is free with your World Book Day token

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