Steven Gerrard is known for making bold predictions, and he recently shared his insights for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup during a segment on TNT Sports. He highlighted Barcelona's Lamine Yamal as the frontrunner for the Best Young Player award while projecting Lionel Messi as the standout player of the tournament and Julián Álvarez as the leading scorer.
What Makes Lamine Yamal a Top Contender for Best Young Player?
Yamal's impressive credentials as Spain's youngest goalscorer at a major tournament during Euro 2024, achieving this at just 16 years old, underline his potential. As the World Cup in North America approaches, Yamal will have gained further experience, having spent two additional seasons playing top-flight football with Barcelona. His role as a starter for both club and country strengthens his candidacy for this accolade.
Why Choose Julián Álvarez as the Top Scorer?
Gerrard’s selection of Álvarez as the expected top scorer reflects the player's proven ability to perform at critical moments in tournaments. His significant contributions to Argentina's victory in the 2022 World Cup demonstrate his scoring prowess and reliability on the biggest stages.
What About the Surprise Team Choice?
Among his predictions, Gerrard suggested Uruguay as a team to watch. While not unknown in the world of football, with two World Cup titles to their name, Uruguay is not typically viewed as among the top favorites. Nonetheless, the team’s historical success may give them an edge and create potential upsets in the competition.