World Cup 2026 Young Player of the Tournament Predictions: Lamine Yamal, Désiré Doué, Ayyoub Bouaddi and Pau Cubarsí odds assessed
James Hilsum
The FIFA World Cup Young Player of the Tournament is given to the competition's best young player, and is one of the stand-out individual prizes.
Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernández was the winner four years ago, completing a La Albiceleste treble after Lionel Messi and Emiliano Martínez won the Golden Ball and Golden Glove awards.
There will now be a different recipient in North America four years later, with a host of other starlets in contention to claim the prize.
So, with the quarter-finals about to begin, we assess the leading contenders.
Lamine Yamal
Lamine Yamal is playing in his second major tournament for Spain after a starring role in their Euro 2024 success.
Yamal has yet to hit his full potential in this year's finals, scoring just once so far in 4-0 group stage win over Saudi Arabia.
But there is no doubting his immense talent, and holds a record of seven goals and 12 assists in 30 caps at the tender age of 18.
Yamal is no stranger to individual honours having twice won the Kopa Trophy - the award for the world's best young player - and was also given the Golden Boy award in 2024, awarded by Italian newspaper Tuttosport to the best young male footballer.
Given that formidable pedigree, his favourites tag is understandable, as these odds suggest.
Lamine Yamal to win Young Player of the Tournament - odds @6/4
Désiré Doué
Désiré Doué has established a reputation as being one world's best young players, and has enjoyed a fine World Cup debut.
Didier Deschamps included the 21-year-old in the starting line-up three times during these finals, and scored in the 4-1 group stage win over Norway.
He also earned the penalty from which Kylian Mbappé scored to secure a 1-0 last-16 win over Paraguay.
Like Yamal, Doué has already enjoyed a considerable amount of individual success after winning the Golden Boy award in 2025.
His honours at club level also include two UEFA Champions League title and two Ligue 1 winners' medals.
With France tipped as the favourites to go all the way in North America, there is good value to be had on backing Doué.
Désiré Doué to win Young Player of the Tournament – odds @7/2
Ayyoub Bouaddi
Much was known about Yamal and Doué before the tournament, whereas this seems to be the tournament in which Ayyoub Bouaddi has thrust himself onto the world stage.
The Lille starlet is a very different kind of player to those two players, but carries out equally important work in the heart of midfield for his country.
The 18-year-old has earned four starts at the finals, and played an integral role in Morocco’s run to the quarter-finals with some performances of maturity which bely his tender age.
A tantalising last-eight clash with France awaits on Thursday evening, and his odds will shorten considerably if the Atlas Lions defeat the two-time winners.
That would only enhance Bouaddi’s reputation, with the 18-year-old reportedly on the radar of several top European clubs.
Ayyoub Bouaddi to win Young Player of the Tournament – odds @5/1
Pau Cubarsí
Pau Cubarsí is the strongest outsider bet to claim the prize, and has appeared in all five of Spain’s games at the World Cup to date.
The defender is the latest in an endless list of La Masia graduates and has already won two La Liga titles and two Spanish Cups since breaking into the Barcelona first team.
He has been part of a formidable La Roja defence which has yet to concede a goal at this year's finals, as Luis de la Fuente's side aim to become world champions for a second time.
Cubarsí has seamlessly slotted into the senior after representing Spain at youth level up to the under-23s, with whom he won an Olympic title in 2024.
Pau Cubarsí to win Young Player of the Tournament – odds @6/1
Antonio Nusa
Erling Haaland may have dominated the column inches for Norway, but Antonio Nusa has also unquestionably made a huge impact at these finals.
The 21-year-old has started four of the five games at the finals for Ståle Solbakken's side, scoring in the 1-0 last-32 win over Ivory Coast.
He has proven to be a constant threat down that left-hand side, and will be hoping to exploit England's documented troubles at right-back when the two sides meet in the quarter-finals on Saturday.
After beating Brazil in the last-16, Solbakken's team will fancy their chances of causing another upset against Thomas Tuchel’s men.
With that in mind, those looking to bet against the Three Lions may fancy a flutter on RB Leipzig winger at these well-priced odds.
Pau Cubarsí to win Young Player of the Tournament – odds @8/1
Johan Manzambi
Johan Manzambi has made an immense contribution to Switzerland's run to the quarter-finals.
The 20-year-old has proven his versatility in this year's finals, having been deployed out wide and as a No.10 by Murat Yakin.
He currently has three goals and two assists in four appearances for the Swiss, including a brace in the 4-1 group stage win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
A knee problem means Manzambi is a doubt for their quarter-final clash against Argentina, but his exploits at the tournament have already caught admiring glances.
He may be under contract at Freiburg until 2030, but reported interest from Newcastle United means he could be starring in the Premier League very soon.
Johan Manzambi to win Young Player of the Tournament – odds @9/1
Nico O'Reilly
Nico O'Reilly has nailed down a place as England's left-back in Thomas Tuchel's side, as the Three Lions aim to end 60 years of hurt in North America.
The 21-year-old has started four of their five matches so far, and has given England some much needed stability in a defence which has endured its fair share of upheaval.
Nico O’Reilly to win Young Player of the Tournament – odds @9/1
Chemsdine Talbi
The Sunderland midfielder completes our list after making four substitute appearances for Morocco.
He has one assist after setting up Issa Diop's header in the 1-1 draw with the Netherlands in the last 32, as the Atlas Lions prevailed 4-3 on penalties.
His long odds reflect a big outside bet here.
Chemsdine Talbi to win Young Player of the Tournament – odds @50/1
Player | Team | Odds |
|---|---|---|
Lamine Yamal | Spain | 6/4 |
Désiré Doué | France | 7/2 |
Ayyoub Bouaddi | Morocco | 5/1 |
Pau Cubarsí | Spain | 6/1 |
Antonio Nusa | Norway | 8/1 |
Johan Manzambi | Switzerland | 9/1 |
Nico O'Reilly | England | 9/1 |
Chemsdine Talbi | Morocco | 50/1 |
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