The youngest players in World Cup history

Every tournament throws up a teenage sensation. A few made history before they could legally drink.

• Norman Whiteside (Northern Ireland) — played in 1982 aged 17 years and 41 days, the youngest at any World Cup
• Pelé (Brazil) — the youngest player to win the World Cup, lifting it in 1958 aged 17
• Pelé again — also the youngest player to score in a World Cup final, in that same 1958 final

Could a 2026 teenager join them? The expanded field gives more young talents a stage than ever before.