Alan Shearer Predicts 3 Potential Breakout Stars of the 2026 FIFA World Cup

Every FIFA World Cup creates new heroes. While global superstars such as Harry Kane, Kylian Mbappe, Jude Bellingham, Lionel Messi, and Vinicius Junior often dominate pre-tournament headlines, history shows that football’s biggest competition regularly introduces a new generation of breakout stars.

From James Rodriguez in 2014 to Enzo Fernandez in 2022, the World Cup has a unique ability to elevate talented players into household names almost overnight.

Ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, England icon Alan Shearer has identified three players he believes could significantly impact the tournament: England midfielder Elliot Anderson, Morocco playmaker Brahim Diaz, and Brazil forward Matheus Cunha.

Each player arrives in North America carrying momentum from impressive club and international performances, and according to Shearer, all three have the potential to become defining figures during the tournament.

Why Alan Shearer’s Predictions Matter

When Alan Shearer speaks about goalscorers and tournament football, people tend to listen.

The former England captain remains one of the most respected voices in football analysis. During his international career, he scored 30 goals in 63 appearances for England, won the Golden Boot at Euro 1996, and represented his country at major tournaments.

His experience of performing under intense international pressure gives additional weight to his assessment of players capable of thriving on football’s biggest stage.

Rather than selecting established global superstars, Shearer focused on players who could significantly exceed expectations and elevate their teams’ chances of success.

Elliot Anderson: England’s Emerging Midfield Engine

Why Shearer Believes Anderson Could Shine

Among Shearer’s selections, Elliot Anderson may be the least internationally recognized, but perhaps the most intriguing.

The 23-year-old midfielder has enjoyed a remarkable rise over the past year, establishing himself as one of England’s most promising young talents.

“Elliot Anderson is an obvious one. Lot of talk about Harry Kane, Declan Rice, but if England are going to do well, Anderson could be a breakout star.”

While much of the spotlight naturally falls on England’s established stars, tournament success often depends on unexpected contributors stepping forward at key moments.

2025-26 Season Performance

What makes Anderson particularly valuable is his versatility. He combines defensive discipline with attacking intelligence, allowing him to contribute across multiple phases of play.

In tournament football, where tactical flexibility often proves decisive, players capable of adapting to different situations become invaluable assets.

Why He Could Be England’s Secret Weapon

England possess one of the tournament’s strongest squads, but opponents will naturally focus on containing players such as Kane, Rice, Phil Foden, and Jude Bellingham.

This could create opportunities for Anderson to exploit space and influence matches without attracting the same defensive attention.

His energy, composure, and tactical awareness make him a strong candidate to become one of England’s surprise stars.

Brahim Diaz: Morocco’s Creative Leader

The Player Carrying a Nation’s Ambitions

Morocco enter the 2026 FIFA World Cup with heightened expectations following their historic run to the semi-finals in 2022.

Four years ago, they became the first African nation to reach the World Cup semi-finals, reshaping perceptions of African football on the global stage.

Now, many believe Brahim Diaz will be central to their hopes of matching—or even surpassing—that achievement.

“My second one is Brahim Diaz, top scorer in the AFCON. And if Morocco are going to better what they did four years ago and getting to the semi-final, then he’s going to have to play a huge part.”

Recent International Success

Diaz arrives at the World Cup after a highly productive international campaign.

His ability to influence matches through goals, creativity, and intelligent movement has transformed him into one of Africa’s most dangerous attacking players.

Why Diaz Could Become a Tournament Star

World Cups often reward players capable of creating something from nothing.

Diaz possesses exactly that quality.

Whether operating as an attacking midfielder, winger, or secondary forward, he has the technical ability to unlock organized defenses and deliver decisive moments in knockout football.

For Morocco, his performances may determine whether their 2022 success was a one-time achievement or the beginning of a new era.

Matheus Cunha: Brazil’s Next Big Tournament Forward

A Different Kind of Brazilian Attacker

Brazil traditionally arrive at World Cups with enormous attacking expectations.

From Pele and Ronaldo to Neymar and Vinicius Junior, the nation has built its football identity around exceptional forwards capable of deciding matches on their own.

Alan Shearer believes Matheus Cunha could be the latest name added to that tradition.

“My last one is Matheus Cunha. I think the position that he will play, the talent that is around him, he could and probably will score quite a few goals.”

Outstanding Club Form

Cunha enters the tournament following an impressive campaign with Manchester United.

His movement, pressing ability, and finishing have made him one of the most complete attacking players in Brazil’s squad.

Why Brazil Could Unlock His Full Potential

One factor working in Cunha’s favor is the quality surrounding him.

Brazil’s midfield creativity and attacking depth ensure that opportunities will be created regularly.

For a striker with strong positional awareness, that environment can lead to significant goal-scoring returns.

Historically, World Cup Golden Boot contenders often emerge from teams capable of dominating possession and generating consistent chances. Brazil fits that profile perfectly.

What Makes a World Cup Breakout Star?

Shearer’s selections reveal an important insight into tournament football.

Breakout stars rarely emerge solely because of talent. Several factors typically contribute:

• Strong club form entering the tournament.
• Defined tactical roles.
• Confidence from recent performances.
• Supportive teammates.
• Opportunities to play significant minutes.

Anderson, Diaz, and Cunha each satisfy many of these criteria.

More importantly, they play for teams expected to advance deep into the competition, increasing their chances of making a lasting impact.

Comparing the Three Players

Each player offers a different skill set, illustrating the various ways footballers can influence a World Cup.

While Cunha may generate headlines through goals, Anderson could shape games through midfield control, and Diaz may provide the moments of magic that decide knockout matches.

Could One of Them Become the Tournament’s Biggest Surprise?

The history of the FIFA World Cup is filled with players who arrived as promising talents and departed as global superstars.

The 2026 edition appears perfectly positioned to produce another breakout story.

Among Shearer’s three selections, Anderson arguably carries the greatest surprise factor due to his relatively low international profile. Diaz offers the highest creative ceiling, while Cunha may have the clearest path to eye-catching statistics.

Whichever player shines brightest, their performances could significantly influence the fortunes of their respective nations.

Conclusion

Alan Shearer’s prediction highlights three players who may not dominate pre-tournament headlines but possess the qualities required to leave a lasting mark on the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Elliot Anderson brings energy and versatility to England’s midfield, Brahim Diaz carries Morocco’s creative ambitions, and Matheus Cunha offers Brazil another dangerous attacking weapon.

As the tournament unfolds across North America, football fans will eagerly watch to see whether Shearer’s assessment proves accurate. If history has taught us anything, it is that every World Cup creates new heroes—and Anderson, Diaz, and Cunha may be among the names remembered long after the final whistle of the 2026 tournament.