Youngest players in World Cup history ahead of the Qatar 2022 tournament

The pressure of World Cup expectations can weigh heavy on the shoulders of the biggest names in football, and Qatar 2022 will be no different.

The best players on the planet will do battle in the Middle East for the chance to secure the biggest prize in international football.

However, alongside superstars including Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo, Neymar and Kevin De Bruyne, there also will be a host of emerging talent looking to make their mark.

International managers have been more prepared to place greater faith in young players in recent years and age-old World Cup records could be broken in the coming weeks.

MORE: Oldest players in World Cup history ahead of the Qatar 2022 tournament

Gavi evokes memories of Pele as Spain thrash Costa Rica 

Spain kicked off their 2022 World Cup with an incredible 7-0 Group E win over Costa Rica as Luis Enrique's side dominated from start to finish at the Al Thumama Stadium.

Mixed in with six different scorers for La Roja was another incredible statistic for Barcelona star Gavi.

At 18 years and 110 days old, he became the third youngest World Cup goal scorer ever, and the youngest since Brazilian icon Pele back in 1958.

🇪🇸 The future is bright for Spain#FIFAWorldCup | #Qatar2022 pic.twitter.com/2zsXir0ld5

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) November 23, 2022

His eye-catching performance underlined his importance to Enrique as he also became the tenth youngest player to feature at a World Cup.

Who are the youngest players in World Cup history?

The World Cup has provided a launching pad for some iconic names in footballing history with tournaments offering the chance to announce talent on the biggest platform.

Pressure is reduced on younger players, with expectations reduced, and teenager starlets have often thrived in the white-hot World Cup heat.

Five players have featured in World Cup action before their 18th birthday with Brazilian hero Pele on the list following his incredible showing en route to the Samba Boys winning the 1958 World Cup.

Who is the youngest goalscorer in World Cup history?

The pressure of performing at a World Cup is already a major factor in a manager's decision to use a young player at a World Cup but asking them to score is a different question.

However, again the burning gaze of World Cup attention has often released the shackles on teenage hotshots, and they have produced some of the most memorable World Cup moments.

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 Goalscorer at both the 2002 and 1998 #WorldCups, including a hugely memorable solo effort in Saint-Etienne ⚽️🥅

🥳 It's time to wish Michael Owen a very happy birthday 🎂 pic.twitter.com/moXrEc55zy

— FIFA World Cup (@FIFAWorldCup) December 14, 2021

Who will be the youngest players at World Cup 2022?

Qatar 2022 is blessed with an array of emerging young stars with Germany and Spain amongst the powerhouses placing their faith in youth for the tournament.

Luis Enrique included Barcelona trio Pedri, Gavi and Ansu Fati in his final 26-man squad for the competition, and he then added teenager Alejandro Balde to the group following Jose Gaya's injury.

Germany will have the youngest player at the tournament after Hansi Flick called up uncapped Borussia Dortmund forward Youssoufa Moukoko. Moukoko will instantly break into the Top Ten, if he features for Flick's side at the World Cup, but the tournament kick off coincides with his 18th birthday — meaning he will miss out on the 17 club.

However, he will become the second youngest scorer — in behind Pele — if he can find the net in Qatar.