The excitement of World Cup 2026 has us already looking forward to the next tournament.
World Cup 2030 will take place in Spain, Portugal and Morocco, while Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay will each host an opening game.
There were 13 Manchester United players at World Cup 2026, and there could be even more for the 2030 tournament.
We have put together an XI of Manchester United youngsters who could feature next time around…
Radek Vitek – Czech Republic
There is no guarantee that goalkeeper Radek Vitek will be a Manchester United player by the end of this summer, with the club reportedly considering cashing in.
The giant shot-stopper looks set to have a strong career, and there is a strong chance that he displaces former United talent Matej Kovar as the Czech Republic’s number one.
Vitek has represented his country at youth level and it is only a matter of time before he earns a senior international call-up.
Diego Leon – Paraguay
Diego Leon has already made his international debut for Paraguay after being called up in October 2025.
Leon, 19, will have his sights firmly set on World Cup 2030, with his country set to host one of the opening matches.
The left-back signed for United a year ago and has spent the past year in the academy. He could go out on loan next season to gain first team experience.
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Ayden Heaven – England
Many would argue that Ayden Heaven would not look out of place in the England squad in 2026.
Heaven, 19, has trained with the England senior side and has been capped at under-20 level.
With 24 appearances for Manchester United behind him already, Heaven should be a regular starter for the Red Devils by 2030, and an absolute guarantee for the England squad.
Leny Yoro – France
It is only France’s rich array of options that has delayed Leny Yoro from breaking through into the France international squad so far.
Still only 20, Yoro is a regular for France at under-21 level, where he has also captained the side. By time we hit World Cup 2030, Yoro should be firmly established in the senior squad.
It would be a major disappointment if the talented centre-back is not a cornerstone for his country in four years time.
James Overy – Australia
Teenage right-back James Overy was named in the Australia squad in November 2025, with the Socceroos coach keen to take a look at him.
If Overy can make good progress at United, then he has a real chance to make the World Cup squad for 2030, for a nation which is not overloaded with talent.
Overy is entering his second year at United in 2026/27 and he could be a player to look out for in pre-season.
Tyler Fletcher – Scotland
Tyler Fletcher was a surprise selection in the Scotland squad for World Cup 2026 after a late injury to Billy Gilmour.
Fletcher did not get a chance to play, but he did manage to impress in the pre-tournament friendlies. By 2030 he could be a key starter.
At the end of last season Fletcher made his debut under Michael Carrick, and if he can establish himself in the United team, he will be a shoo-in for Scotland in four years time.
Cristian Orozco – Colombia
Manchester United’s new addition, Cristian Orozco‘s transfer from Fortaleza is set to go through later this month.
Orozco impressed for Colombia at the Under-17s World Cup late last year, where he captained the side.
If he becomes the midfield powerhouse Manchester United hope for, Orozco will be a leader for the Colombian national team in 2030.
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JJ Gabriel – England
JJ Gabriel is hoping to become Manchester United’s youngest ever player in 2026/27. In addition to club success, England heroics could follow.
Gabriel has represented England at youth level and he is touted as a generational talent, with United fending off interest from Barcelona to keep him at the club.
The exciting wonderkid should be a certainty to star for England at World Cup 2030, and he could be joined by another young Manchester United attacker.
Shea Lacey – England
If not for injuries, Shea Lacey‘s progress to the Manchester United first team would have been even quicker, and a World Cup 2026 call could even have happened.
Lacey is still on track for success and looks set to be a key part of Manchester United’s first team squad in 2026/27.
England are crying out for talented wingers and Lacey’s eye for goal and creativity mean he possesses the spark that the Three Lions have missed at times. If he can stay injury-free, we can expect to see him in 2030.
Noah Ajayi – Germany
Noah Ajayi was eligible to play for England or Nigeria but he has recently committed his future to Germany.
Ajayi recently featured for Germany’s under-19 side after a terrific breakthrough season in Manchester United’s academy.
The exciting winger could be just the kind of young, dynamic talent that Germany are crying out for after a dismal showing at World Cup 2026.
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Chido Obi – Denmark
Denmark narrowly missed out on the 2026 World Cup in the playoffs and they will be desperate to make up for that in 2030. Could Chido Obi make the difference?
The Manchester United youth striker has represented Denmark at under-21 level, and made his Red Devils debut at just 17.
In four years time he will hope to be a regular for his country and displace Rasmus Hojlund in attack. There is a lot of work to do, but the potential is there.
Honourable mentions
- Jack Fletcher: England
- Yuel Helafu: England
- Kai Rooney: England
- Jim Thwaites: England
- Gabriel Biancheri: Wales
- Louie Bradbury: Wales
- Jacob Devaney: Ireland
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