FUTURE OF WORLD FOOTBALL

JOSH SARGENT Forward, United States

He has already represented USA in the U-20 World Cup held earlier this year. He also played a key role in helping USA qualify for the U-17 World Cup, scoring 5 goals. The forward already trains with clubs like PSV Eindhoven and FC Schalke 04, meaning the future is bright for the O’Fallon, Missouri native.

LINCOLN Attacking midfielder, Brazil

Having scored five goals to help three-time U-17 World Cup winners Brazil lift the South American U-17 Championship earlier this year, Flamengo FC youth product Lincoln will hope to make his mark at the U-17 World Cup and fill in the void left by strike partner Vinicius Junior who wasn’t released by Flamengo.

AMINE GOUIRI Striker, France

He is the player France will look to for goals. The Olympique Lyonnais youth player shone during the 2017 U-17 European Championships, scoring eight goals. France had to take part in a play-off against Hungary to ascertain qualification. France won 1-0, and the winning goal in that match was scored by Gouiri.

ABEL RUIZ Striker, Spain

He is a product of Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy and has scored 19 goals in 23 appearances for Spain U-17. But more than a goalscorer, it was his leadership that won Spain their ninth UEFA European U-17 Championships earlier this year. Ruiz scored four goals in the tournament and was awarded the silver boot.

JAIRO TORRES Midfielder, Mexico

He has already made his senior debut for Mexico’s Club Atlas at 16. He scored three goals for Mexico U-17 as they won the CONCACAF U-17 Championship to qualify for the World Cup. He’s a team player who can create and dictate play as well as find the back of the net if he gets an opportunity.