Newcastle's incoming Australian starlet, three African wonderkids and the 'next Erling Haaland' who EVERY club wants to sign... 10 teenagers who are poised to break out at the Qatar World Cup
- There are a host of teenagers hoping to light up the upcoming Qatar World CupĀ
- Newcastle and Sunderland both have exciting forwards going to the tournamentĀ
- A trio of African starlets from Ghana, Morocco and Tunisia could sparkle in Qatar
- While USA's Yunus Musah and Belgium's Zeno Debast will aim to impress as well
- Sportsmail lists the youngsters who could enjoy a breakthrough tournament
- Click here for the latest World Cup 2022 news, fixtures, live action and results
What better stage than the World Cup for a breakout star to emerge?Ā
Theo Walcott's career went into overdrive after being named in England's squad for the 2006 World Cup aged just 17 (although he didn't play) and plenty of others have earned themselves a huge move after starring at the global tournament.
And with every country's official squad for the upcoming Qatar tournament confirmed, there are a host of teenagers heading to the Middle East dreaming big and hoping to impress on the biggest platform possible.
Some of them will be well known to football fans - the likes of England's Jude Bellingham, and Spain's brilliant midfield pair Pedri and Gavi of Barcelona. Others will not - and those are the ones we're focusing on.
The precocious talents flying under the radar, the starlets from across the planet you may not have heard of who could light up the World Cup.
Below, Sportsmail's Max Mathews rounds up nine of the best - includingĀ Newcastle's latest starlet, a trio of African wonderkids and one who might follow in Erling Haaland's footsteps.Ā
![There are a host of teenagers who will be hoping to impress at the upcoming Qatar World Cup, such as Garang Kuol (above), who recently signed for Newcastle and plays for Australia](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/15/12/64563785-11429895-image-a-37_1668515383141.jpg)
There are a host of teenagers who will be hoping to impress at the upcoming Qatar World Cup, such as Garang Kuol (above), who recently signed for Newcastle and plays for Australia
![Manchester United's Hannibal Mejbri (pictured) will be representing Tunisia in the Middle East](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/15/12/64563819-11429895-image-a-38_1668515385149.jpg)
Manchester United's Hannibal Mejbri (pictured) will be representing Tunisia in the Middle East
![Sunderland's Costa Rican teen Jewison Bennette (above) could be another set to shine - and below, Sportsmail rounds up nine of the best wonderkids who could light up the World Cup](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/15/12/64565025-11429895-image-a-45_1668515463811.jpg)
Sunderland's Costa Rican teen Jewison Bennette (above) could be another set to shine - and below, Sportsmail rounds up nine of the best wonderkids who could light up the World Cup
Garang Kuol (Australia)Ā
It's been some rise for Garang Kuol. Stratospheric, some might say. Born in Khartoum to South Sudanese parents, his family entered Australia as refugees when little Garang was just six, settling in Shepparton, Victoria.
He rose through the ranks at Australian side Central Coast Mariners and made his international debut for the Socceroos against New Zealand in September, the sixth-youngest ever to do so.
Kuol, 18, has - interestingly - yet to start a league match in his senior career but nonetheless has six goals in 13 appearances off the bench for his club side and a brilliant trick helped him set up Jason Cummings' goal against the All Whites.
In late September, Premier League side Newcastle announced his signing - he is set to join the Champions League hopefuls in January, after the World Cup. Kuol is certainly a wildcard going into the tournament.Ā
![Garang Kuol's South Sudanese family moved to Australia as refugees when he was just six](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/15/12/64563779-11429895-image-a-39_1668515391684.jpg)
Garang Kuol's South Sudanese family moved to Australia as refugees when he was just six
![Kuol, who has six goals in 13 games for Central Coast Mariners, will join Newcastle in January](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/15/12/64563787-11429895-image-a-40_1668515393260.jpg)
Kuol, who has six goals in 13 games for Central Coast Mariners, will join Newcastle in January
Zeno Debast (Belgium)Ā
Kompany, Alderweireld, Vertonghen... Debast?Ā
Qatar is likely to prove the final World Cup for Belgium's 'Golden Generation', including Alderweireld, Vertonghen, Thomas Meunier, Axel Witsel, maybe Kevin De Bruyne, and the likes of Hans Vanaken, Eden Hazard and Dries Mertens.
And manager Roberto Martinez has already shown signs of blooding youngsters who can take the Red Devils forward in future, with centre backs Zeno Debast, 19, and Arthur Theate, 22, among them.
Anderlecht's Debast is a mobile defender who is good with the ball at his feet and could be given a chance in Qatar.
![Anderlecht defender Zeno Debast (left) could be at the heart of Belgium's defence for 10 years](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/15/12/64564993-11429895-image-a-44_1668515459965.jpg)
Anderlecht defender Zeno Debast (left) could be at the heart of Belgium's defence for 10 years
Jewison Bennette (Costa Rica)Ā
Eyebrows were raised when Jewison Bennette signed for Championship side Sunderland from Costa Rican side Herediano this summer.
But the 18-year-old has already scored three goals and provided one assist across 16 appearances in all competitions for the Black Cats and shown flashes of promise in several exciting cameos.
Pacey winger Bennette, who has four goal involvements (two goals, two assists) in seven caps for Costa Rica, has helped his country take 19 points from a possible 21 in their last seven World Cup qualifiers and has been rewarded with a spot.
Among his team-mates in Qatar will be 19-year-old Nottingham Forest midfielder Brandon Aguilera.
![Pacy winger Bennette scored his first goal in English football for the Black Cats in September](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/15/12/64565023-11429895-image-a-46_1668515474979.jpg)
Pacy winger Bennette scored his first goal in English football for the Black Cats in September
Youssoufa Moukoko (Germany)Ā
Moukoko is considered one of the most promising players in the world - potentially even 'the next Erling Haaland', after the Norwegian cut his teeth at Dortmund before moving to Man City this summer, where he has an absurd 23 goals in 18 games.Ā
The 17-year-old striking hotshot has six goals and four assists in 22 appearances in all competitions for the German side this season - half of which have come from the bench.
Moukoko is yet to be capped by Die Mannschaft's senior side, but is vying for the No 9 role with Niclas Fullkrug and Karim Adeyemi, who only have four caps between them.
Bayern Munich's Jamal Musiala is a more well-known teenager who will shine, while Bayer Leverkusen's Florian Wirtz, 19, was in contention for an impact substitute role before suffering an unfortunate injury.
![Borussia Dortmund striker Youssoufa Moukoko has six goals in 14 appearances this season](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/15/12/64563795-11429895-image-a-41_1668515402231.jpg)
Borussia Dortmund striker Youssoufa Moukoko has six goals in 14 appearances this season
Abdul Fatawu Issahaku (Ghana)Ā
The brilliantly named Abdul Fatawu Issahaku is reportedly wanted by several Premier League clubs, including Manchester United, after enjoying a breakthrough season at Sporting Lisbon.
After scoring 20 goals in 27 games for Ghanaian side Steadfast, Issahaku earned himself a move to Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon this summer, where he signed a five-year contract with a Ā£52million release clause.
The skilful 18-year-old is fighting for a starting spot behind Inaki Williams in Ghana's attack along with fellow youngsters Kamaldeen Sulemana, 20, of Rennes and Ajax's Mohammed Kudus, 22.Ā
![The 18-year-old Ghanaian attacking midfielder Abdul Fatawu Issahaku (top) is a bright talent](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/15/12/64565069-11429895-image-a-50_1668515583126.jpg)
The 18-year-old Ghanaian attacking midfielder Abdul Fatawu Issahaku (top) is a bright talent
Bilal El Khannouss (Morocco)Ā
Lithe midfielder Bilal El Khannouss was born in Belgium and represented the Red Devils at U15 and U16 level, before switching to the country of his heritage in 2022, making two appearances each for Morocco's U20 and U23 sides.
The 18-year-old attacking midfielder's fine displays for Belgian side Genk - with one assist in 16 appearances this campaign - have been rewarded with a place in the senior squad.
El Khannouss can pick a pass and the fact he has been chosen over the likes of Adel Taarabt, former Barcelona starlet Munir El Haddadi and the experienced Younes Belhanda speaks volumes.Ā
![Midfielder Bilal El Khannouss has impressed for Belgian side Genk and will travel with Morocco](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/15/12/64565073-11429895-image-a-51_1668515585759.jpg)
Midfielder Bilal El Khannouss has impressed for Belgian side Genk and will travel with Morocco
Antonio Silva (Portugal)Ā
Silva is one of four centre backs named in Portugal's World Cup squad and those closely following his progress will not be surprised in the slightest.
Pepe, 39, or PSG's Danilo Pereira are favourites to start alongside Manchester City star Ruben Dias but the 19-year-old is one of the most hotly tipped youngsters in Europe after breaking through at Benfica - like Dias himself - this season.
The gifted teenager, whose positioning, anticipation and tactical intelligence impress as much as his physical prowess, is the future of Portugal's defence and could have the chance to prove it in Qatar.Ā
![Centre back Antonio Silva, 19, (left) is one of four centre backs in Portugal's World Cup squad](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/15/12/64565075-11429895-image-a-48_1668515577863.jpg)
Centre back Antonio Silva, 19, (left) is one of four centre backs in Portugal's World Cup squad
![The teenager has enjoyed a breakout season at Benfica and is wanted by several leading clubs](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/15/12/64565081-11429895-image-a-49_1668515580534.jpg)
The teenager has enjoyed a breakout season at Benfica and is wanted by several leading clubs
Hannibal Mejbri (Tunisia)Ā
Combative midfielder Mejbri already has three appearances for Manchester United's senior side.
The 19-year-old gained plaudits from club icon Gary Neville for throwing himself around on the pitch when others were looked anaemic under interim boss Ralf Rangnick at the end of last season.
Mejbri has 15 appearances for Championship side Birmingham after joining on loan this summer, and has also played regularly for Tunisia, with 18 caps across the last two years.
He, Issahaku and El Khannouss are more likely to feature than other African teenagers, for example Cameroon's backup goalkeeper Simon Ngapandouetnbu of Marseille, at the World Cup.
![United's combative midfielder Mejbri, 19, has three appearances for the Red Devils' senior side](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/15/12/64563815-11429895-image-a-42_1668515408901.jpg)
United's combative midfielder Mejbri, 19, has three appearances for the Red Devils' senior side
![The Tunisian has made 15 appearances for Championship side Birmingham on loan this season](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/15/12/64563813-11429895-image-a-43_1668515412197.jpg)
The Tunisian has made 15 appearances for Championship side Birmingham on loan this season
Yunus Musah (United States)Ā
Rounding off Sportsmail's list is American wonderkid Yunus Musah, 19.
The former Arsenal youth product seems like he's been around for a while and has clocked up 82 appearances for Spanish side Valencia in his three full seasons in Los Che's senior side.
Musah, unlike some others in this list - perhaps Debast and El Khannouss - is fairly nailed-on to start for the USMNT this summer.
![United States' talented midfielder Yunus Musah (left), 19, is a regular for Spanish side Valencia](https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2022/11/15/12/64565047-11429895-image-a-47_1668515572468.jpg)
United States' talented midfielder Yunus Musah (left), 19, is a regular for Spanish side Valencia
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