The has already showcased some of the sport's top young talent.
Now that every group stage game has taken place, we can highlight the influential young standouts who have helped inspire their teams to qualify for the knockout stages of the competition.
Here FIFA shines a light on some of the youngsters, who qualify for the Young Player Award category by being born on or after 1 January 2005, who stood out in the final group-stage round on the way to the last 32.
Lamine Yamal continued to shine for the reigning European champions in the vital 1-0 win over Uruguay. At just 18 years old, he was double and even triple-marked by opponents yet still played a vital role in the winning goal. Cubarsi, meanwhile, continued his fine form, the teenage centre-back displaying a calmness on the ball in a match that threatened to turn chaotic. The Barcelona defender is a trusted member of the Spanish set-up and his ability and composure should be crucial once more in Spain's next challenge against Austria.
Diomande produced another eye-catching display despite playing just 67 minutes as Côte d'Ivoire progressed to the Round of 32 with a 2-0 win over Curaçao. The 19-year-old Leipzig attacker claimed an assist for Nicolas Pepe's first goal, becoming the only player this century to have completed 10 dribbles and created 10 chances across his first three World Cup games. Trabzonspor midfielder Christ Inao Oulai also impressed from the bench after playing the full 90 minutes against Germany in the previous game.
Watford attacker Nestory Irankunda has demonstrated his blistering pace throughout the tournament and it was on display again in the goalless draw with Paraguay as the Socceroos secured a knockout spot after a tense 0-0 draw. The 19-year-old was the notable standout as he stretched the Paraguay defensive line and created space for runners. Paul Okon-Engstler played a vital role in shoring up in the middle. The ball-winning midfielder came off the bench to play his part after starting the opening two group games.
Freiburg attacker Johan Manzambi scored one and created another as Switzerland defeated co-hosts Canada 2-1 to secure a place in the Round of 32. On his first World Cup start he scored his third goal of the tournament, cementing his status as Switzerland's top scorer in the competition so far. The 20-year-old has already been a major factor in his side's run to the knockout rounds where they will next face Algeria.
The Bayer Leverkusen teenager arrived in North America fresh from a breakout season on loan at Red Bull Salzburg and has shown elegant technique, a turn of pace and confidence on the biggest stage of all. The 18-year-old now holds the title of eighth-youngest World Cup scorer, and Bosnia and Herzegovina will take on co-hosts USA in the Round of 32 thanks, in no small part, to the young attacking midfielder.
Nineteen-year-old winger Rayan made history when he became the youngest Brazilian since Pele in 1958 to provide an assist in a World Cup game after he set up the opening goal against Scotland. The Bournemouth winger has seized his opportunity after the injury to Raphinha catapulted him into a starting berth and his displays have helped ensure the five-time world champions march on to a meeting with Japan in Houston after finishing top of Group C.
The 18-year-old defensive midfielder has been a breakout star for Ligue 1 side Lille with an impressive 96 senior appearances for the French club. The teenager's ability to break up play and begin attacks has now been noticed on the world stage since he made his World Cup debut for the Atlas Lions against Brazil. The youngster was praised for "running the midfield" that day and he has continued to excel en route to Morocco sealing a last-32 clash against the Netherlands.
The Canada defender has seen his stock rise during this home World Cup as the co-hosts booked a spot in the knockout rounds for the first time in their history, setting up a meeting with South Africa. Despite making just 31 professional appearances, most of them with Belgian side FCV Dender, the youngster already has 16 caps for his country. His composure, skill and physical presence have all shone out as he routinely carries the ball forward. In addition, he has recorded 18 defensive contributions and 12 clearances across his three matches.
PSG winger Ibrahim Mbaye holds the title of the youngest African player ever to score at a World Cup at 18 years and 143 days, having found the net after coming off of the bench in his nation's 3-1 defeat against France. The 5ft 9in teenager is a fearless dribbler of the ball, with an ability to manoeuvre out of tight spaces. Senegal will look to use all the youngster's attributes when they face Belgium in the Round of 32.
Sources: FIFA Official
