The opening round of matches at the 2026 FIFA World Cup delivered goals, surprises and several breakout performances from the next generation of football superstars.
While established stars such as Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappe and Harry Kane grabbed headlines, a number of young players also announced themselves on the global stage with crucial goals for their countries.
Here are the youngest confirmed goalscorers from Round 1 of the World Cup group stage.
1. Ibrahim Mbaye (Senegal) — 18
The Senegal forward became one of the youngest scorers of the tournament when he found the net against France. The Paris Saint Germain youngster’s goal further underlined why he is regarded as one of African football’s brightest young talents.
2. Nestory Irankunda (Australia) — 20
The Australia winger scored in the Socceroos’ 2-0 victory over Türkiye. Born in a refugee camp in Tanzania before moving to Australia, Irankunda’s rise continues to be one of the tournament’s most inspiring stories.
3. Jude Bellingham (England) — 22
Already one of world football’s biggest stars despite his age, The Real Madrid midfielder got on the scoresheet as England defeated Croatia 4-2 in their opening Group L match.
4. Folarin Balogun (USA) — 24
Balogun announced himself in style by scoring twice in the United States’ 4-1 victory over Paraguay. The striker’s brace immediately placed him among the early contenders for the Golden Boot.
5. Yasin Ayari (Sweden) – 22
The Brighton midfielder produced one of the goals of the tournament so far against Tunisia. Ayari scored twice in Sweden’s 5-1 victory, including a stunning long-range strike that immediately entered discussions for Goal of the Tournament.
6. Caleb Yirenkyi (Ghana) – 20
The Right to Dream Academy graduate scored Ghana’s dramatic stoppage-time winner against Panama. The FC Nordsjaelland midfielder capped an impressive display with the decisive goal that handed the Black Stars all three points.
7. Giovanni Reyna (United States) — 23 years
Reyna was among the youngest scorers of Round 1 after helping the United States begin their home World Cup campaign in emphatic fashion.
8. Amad Diallo (Côte d’Ivoire) — 23 years
The former Manchester United winger scored for Côte d’Ivoire and featured prominently among the youngest goalscorers after the first set of group matches.
9. Nathaniel Brown (Germany) – 22
The Germany youngster found the net in his side’s 7-1 demolition of Curaçao as the four-time champions recorded the biggest victory of the opening round.
10. Livano Comenencia (Curaçao) – 22
Despite Curaçao’s heavy defeat to Germany, Comenencia etched his name into World Cup history by scoring his nation’s first-ever goal at the FIFA World Cup.