10 Potential World Cup Breakout Players To Watch For Card Collectors

With the World Cup approaching, football trading card collectors are already trying to identify the next breakout star before the wider hobby catches on. While the obvious names like Mbappé, Bellingham and Yamal already command premium prices, some of the biggest gains often come from players just below the mainstream radar.

Here are 10 players card collectors should be keeping a close eye on heading into the tournament.

Nico Paz (Argentina)

Nico Paz is currently in Argentina’s preliminary squad and could become one of the tournament’s surprise names if he makes the final selection. The attacking midfielder has already shown flashes of elite technical quality and, with Argentina always attracting huge collector attention, even a handful of standout performances could spark major hobby interest.

For collectors, the appeal is obvious — Argentina players carry a premium, especially when linked to the post-Messi era.

Antonio Nusa (Norway)

While most eyes will naturally focus on Erling Haaland, Antonio Nusa could quietly become one of the tournament’s breakout stars. The explosive winger has already built a reputation for direct attacking football and highlight-reel moments.

A strong tournament alongside Norway’s bigger names could see Nusa’s cards gain serious momentum.

Yan Diomande (Ivory Coast)

Yan Diomande has already been selected in Ivory Coast’s official squad and enters the tournament as one of the more intriguing under-the-radar prospects. Strong international performances during major tournaments can rapidly change collector perception, particularly for young players representing exciting African sides.

His inclusion alone could already start attracting attention from prospect-focused collectors.

Lennart Karl (Germany)

Lennart Karl is already regarded as one of Germany’s top emerging prospects despite the squad not yet being officially announced. Germany always generates huge attention during international tournaments, and a young breakout player wearing the famous white shirt can become a hobby favourite almost overnight.

If selected, this could become Karl’s true introduction to the global football audience.

Ibrahim Mbaye (Senegal)

Ibrahim Mbaye may not yet be a household name, but the PSG youngster is already beginning to build momentum. With a handful of senior appearances for Paris Saint-Germain already under his belt, collectors are closely monitoring his development ahead of Senegal’s squad announcement.

Tournament football has a habit of accelerating hype around elite academy talents, especially those attached to major European clubs.

Michael Olise (France)

Michael Olise finally appears to be receiving the wider recognition his talent deserves. Already included in France’s official squad, the winger enters the World Cup with serious momentum after an outstanding club season.

France are once again among the favourites, and a strong first World Cup from Olise could push both his profile and card market to another level entirely.

Ibrahim Maza (Algeria)

Ibrahim Maza has quietly put together an impressive season with regular appearances and strong attacking contributions for Bayer Leverkusen. Although Algeria’s squad has not yet been officially confirmed, Maza is rapidly becoming one of the country’s most exciting young talents.

Collectors often look for technically gifted attacking midfielders before major tournaments, and Maza fits that profile perfectly.

Nico O'Reilly (England)

Nico O’Reilly has enjoyed a genuine breakthrough season at Manchester City and could even emerge as England’s starting left-back heading into the tournament. English players naturally attract strong hobby interest, particularly when attached to elite Premier League clubs.

If O’Reilly secures a major role for England, his cards could quickly move from prospect territory into mainstream demand.

Kendry Páez (Ecuador)

Kendry Páez has been on collectors’ radars for several years already, but the World Cup could become the moment he truly explodes onto the global stage. The Ecuadorian playmaker has spent time developing on loan at Strasbourg and continues to carry enormous long-term potential.

Creative attacking players always attract collector attention during major tournaments, particularly younger stars with flair and technical ability.

Pau Cubarsí (Spain)

Despite still being incredibly young, Pau Cubarsí already looks like one of Spain’s defensive cornerstones for the future. The Barcelona defender has already won Olympic gold with Spain and continues to mature rapidly at the highest level.

While defenders often receive less hobby attention than attackers, elite young centre-backs playing for Spain and Barcelona rarely stay underrated for long.

 

With the World Cup now just around the corner, the countdown has truly begun — not just for football fans, but for collectors too. Every tournament creates new stars, unforgettable moments and huge shifts in the trading card market. The smart collectors are already looking ahead, identifying the names that could go from promising prospects to global headlines over the next few weeks. Whether it’s a breakout performance, a viral moment or a dream tournament run, don’t be surprised if some of these players become some of the hottest cards in the hobby by the final whistle.

Thank you for reading.