With two games each left to play at the 2026 World Cup France, Spain, Argentina and England have their eyes on the main prize and a final appearance, rather than a third-place play-off.
On Tuesday, France face Spain at the Dallas Stadium before England and Argentina meet in Atlanta 24 hours later. The latest World Cup 2026 betting odds are leaning very slightly towards a France versus England final…but it is much too close to call with any confidence. Some of the greatest players on the planet will be showcasing their skills, Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane are all in the race for the Golden Boot, while Spain have two players who are at the front of the queue for the FIFA Young Player Award.
There are plenty of candidates for that accolade, some still in the competition so let’s take a look at the SBOTOP fab five, one of which I believe will win the esteemed prize.
Lamine Yamal: Spain
It’s hard to believe that birthday boy Yamal is only 19 today, he’s been at the top of the game for Barcelona and Spain for three years, earning his first full international cap at 16 and 50 days. With seven goals in 31 matches for La Roja, Yamal is already one of the first names on the team-sheet. A tricky winger with incredible speed in his feet he has had another great season with the Blaugrana, scoring 24 goals and making 17 assists in 45 games and, while he is yet to reach the heights of Euro 2024, with two games to play I’m not going to bet against Yamal writing some more World Cup 2026 news headlines between now and Sunday.
Desire Doue: France
Twenty-one year old Paris Saint-Germain star Doue is part of Les Bleus’ stellar creative group and, as an attacking midfielder or winger, he is an adaptable and exciting young star. Doue must be patient at times, with Mbappe, Ousmane Dembele and Michael Olise lining up in attack with the fourth place between him and Bradley Barcola. Already twice a Champions League winner and with a World Cup medal in his sights Doue is a big game player, scoring in France’s 4-1 win over Norway, heading in a cross from PSG team-mate Barcola.
He impressed in Les Bleus’ qualifying campaign and has already shown glimpses of his quality in the USA, starting in the quarter-final win over Morocco and teeing up the crucial opener for Mbappe; and if Doue gets plenty of game time over the next two games, he can make an indelible mark.
Pau Cubarsi: Spain
Another product of Barcelona’s incredible academy, centre-back Cubarsi has followed in the footsteps of the likes of Yamal and Pedri to become one of Spain’s first eleven. A cultured centre-back he is the anchor of Barcelona’s defence, making 85 appearances for the Blaugrana in two title-winning campaigns. No defender has ever won the Best Young Player Award at the World Cup finals but if Cubarsi can shut out Mbappe and Co and then either Kane or Messi he must be in with a shout; and he was instrumental in La Roja’s 2-1 win over Belgium, forcing an error from the Red Devils’ keeper with a speculative shot, for Mikel Merino to sweep up and score the winner.
Nico Paz: Argentina
This 21-year-old creative midfielder had a stellar season with Como in Serie A and while his minutes have been limited, not starting since Argentina’s 3-1 group win over Jordan, Paz has the potential to be a super sub. And for that reason, he is my Albiceleste nomination. In a team with some aging stars, led by the legendary Messi, Paz brings the youthful energy with exceptional technique and the ability to unlock a defence. With 18 goals in 70 games for Como, he is a rising star and the Italians rejected a £50m bid for Paz from Tottenham Hotspur last summer and Paz could yet prove to be a big player in Argentina’s title defence.
Nico O’Reilly: England
The Three Lions are trying to end a 60-year wait for a World Cup title and they have every chance, if they can play with the energy and passion that saw them beat hosts Mexico at a fiery Azteca Stadium. While Jude Bellingham, still only 23 years of age, is taking the plaudits, O’Reilly, at 21 is in the running as a potential best young player. The Manchester City star has been transformed from a creative midfielder to a ball-playing left back and that is where Thomas Tuchel uses him; though he is still an attacking force, hitting the post against Mexico; and, at 6ft4in O’Reilly is a commanding presence in the Three Lions’ defence.
Notable mention must go to Norway’s exciting 21-year-old winger Antonio Nusa who has got fans off their seats during the Vikings’ impressive campaign. But my five picks are still in the competition and, depending on their nations’ results any one of the five can win the award. I suspect it comes down to Yamal or Cubarsi, if La Roja make it to the final.
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