Lesser-Known Forwards to Watch at World Cup 2026
Beyond the Headlines
Every World Cup produces unexpected heroes. In 2018, it was Denis Cheryshev and Mario Fernandes. In 2022, we discovered Azzedine Ounahi, Cody Gakpo, and Sofyan Amrabat. For every Mbappé or Messi, there are players from smaller leagues or emerging nations who seize their moment.
Here are the lesser-known forwards who could become household names in 2026.
1. Jonathan David — Canada (Lille/Arsenal, ST)
Age: 26 | Club: Arsenal
David has quietly become one of Europe’s most consistent goal-scorers. After prolific spells at Gent and Lille, his move to Arsenal has elevated his profile. In 2025/26, he scored 22 goals across all competitions.
Play Style: A complete modern striker — pace to run behind, technique to combine, and clinical finishing with both feet. David drops deep to link play and makes intelligent runs in behind.
Why He’ll Shine: Playing alongside Alphonso Davies in a Canada side that attacks with freedom. David already scored in the 2022 World Cup and has improved significantly since.
2. Santiago Giménez — Mexico (Feyenoord/AC Milan, ST)
Age: 25 | Club: AC Milan
El Bebote has developed into one of the most complete strikers in Europe. His goal-scoring record at Feyenoord was extraordinary, and his move to Milan proved he belongs at the elite level.
Play Style: Powerful, two-footed, and excellent in the air. Giménez combines South American flair with European tactical discipline. His movement in the box is intelligent, and he presses aggressively from the front.
Why He’ll Shine: Mexico plays three group matches on home soil. Giménez will have the nation behind him and a team built to supply him.
3. Victor Boniface — Nigeria (Bayer Leverkusen, ST)
Age: 25 | Club: Bayer Leverkusen
The Nigerian powerhouse was instrumental in Leverkusen’s historic unbeaten Bundesliga title. His physical presence and technical quality make him a nightmare for defenders.
Play Style: Strong, quick, and technically excellent. Boniface can hold off center-backs, turn, and finish with power. He’s also a capable creator, with excellent vision for a target man.
Why He’ll Shine: Nigeria’s attack is built around him. With Samuel Chukwueze and Ademola Lookman providing width, Boniface will have service in the box.
4. Loïs Openda — Belgium (RB Leipzig, ST)
Age: 26 | Club: RB Leipzig
Openda’s pace is his defining weapon. The Belgian striker has been consistently prolific in the Bundesliga, using his explosive acceleration to get behind defenses.
Play Style: Direct, fast, and clinical. Openda thrives on through balls and over-the-shoulder passes. He’s not a target man but a runner who exploits space.
Why He’ll Shine: Belgium’s aging generation is making way for younger talent. Openda will lead the line in a new-look Belgian attack.
5. Matías Soulé — Argentina (Frosinone/Juventus/Roma, RW)
Age: 23 | Club: Roma
The Argentine dribbler has been compared to Ángel Di María for his style and left-footed magic from the right flank.
Play Style: Dribbling, creativity, and set-piece quality. Soulé cuts inside onto his left foot with devastating effect. He led Serie A in successful dribbles during his Frosinone loan.
Why He’ll Shine: Argentina’s squad depth is immense, but Soulé offers something different — direct dribbling and unpredictability off the bench.
6. Albert Grønbæk — Denmark (Rennes, CM/AM)
Age: 25 | Club: Rennes
A late bloomer who has emerged as one of Ligue 1’s most creative midfielders.
Play Style: Box-to-box energy with goal-scoring instincts. Grønbæk arrives late in the box, shoots powerfully from distance, and creates chances through aggressive ball progression.
Why He’ll Shine: Denmark needs midfield creativity to support Højlund. Grønbæk provides goal threat from deep.
7. Antonio Nusa — Norway (Club Brugge/RB Leipzig, LW)
Age: 21 | Club: RB Leipzig
The Norwegian wonderkid has been tracked by Europe’s elite since his Club Brugge breakthrough.
Play Style: Trickery, acceleration, and close control. Nusa is a classic winger who takes on defenders and creates chances. His decision-making has improved rapidly.
Why He’ll Shine: If Norway qualifies, Nusa and Haaland form a devastating counter-attacking duo.
8. Mahmoud Saber — Egypt (Pyramids/Zamalek, AM)
Age: 24 | Club: Pyramids
One of Africa’s most exciting young playmakers. Saber has dominated the Egyptian Premier League with his creativity and goal-scoring.
Play Style: Vision, passing range, and dribbling. Saber operates between the lines, finding pockets of space and unlocking defenses.
Why He’ll Shine: Egypt will need a creative spark alongside Salah. Saber provides that ingenuity.
9. Cade Cowell — USA (Chivas/Guadalajara, LW)
Age: 22 | Club: Chivas
The American winger has developed tremendously in Liga MX after moving from San Jose. His physicality and directness have made him a fan favorite.
Play Style: Powerful, direct, and two-footed. Cowell runs at defenders with pace and strength. His end product has improved significantly.
Why He’ll Shine: Home World Cup, and Pochettino’s system demands aggressive wing play.
10. Ernest Nuamah — Ghana (Lyon, RW)
Age: 22 | Club: Lyon
The Ghanaian winger has electrified Ligue 1 with his direct running. He was one of the most exciting young players in Europe.
Play Style: Explosive acceleration, dribbling at pace, and the ability to beat defenders on both sides. His final product is improving.
Why He’ll Shine: Ghana is rebuilding and Nuamah is central to their attacking plans.
11. Takuma Asano — Japan (Bochum/Mainz, ST)
Age: 31 | Club: Mainz
Not a youngster, but still underrated. Asano’s pace and pressing have made him a favorite of Hajime Moriyasu.
Play Style: Lightning pace, relentless pressing, and intelligent movement. Asano scores crucial goals — including against Germany in 2022.
Why He’ll Shine: Japan’s counter-attacking system is perfect for his skill set.
12. Youssef En-Nesyri — Morocco (Sevilla/Fenerbahce, ST)
Age: 29 | Club: Fenerbahçe
While better known after 2022, En-Nesyri remains underrated globally. His aerial ability is elite.
Play Style: Aerial dominance, pace, and clinical finishing. En-Nesyri’s leap and timing in the air make him a set-piece nightmare.
Why He’ll Shine: Morocco’s defensive solidity creates counter-attacking opportunities, and En-Nesyri is the perfect target man.
The Breakout Stage
The World Cup has always been the ultimate stage for unknown talents to become global stars. With 48 teams and more matches than ever, the 2026 tournament offers unprecedented opportunity for players outside the traditional elite to make their mark on football history.