The dust has settled on the 2018 blockbuster in Russia, so Goal takes a look at who could light up the next tournament in Qatar
France are the 2018 world champions, while Luka Modric and Kylian Mbappe have been crowned the best player and best young star of the World Cup in Russia. But who will earn the acclaim when the jamboree moves on to Qatar four years from now?
Many of the nations who took part this year have further talents to get excited about seeing in the years to come, while there are plenty coming through with those countries who didn't make it to Russia.
So here Goal looks at 15 players who could well make a lasting first appearance at a World Cup finals tournament at the next event in 2022.
Getty ImagesYacine Adli (France)
If you thought 2018 winners France were loaded with talent, the bad news for the rest of the world is that there are more high-calibre players to come in four years’ time.
Dynamic midfielder Yacine Adli is one such star of the future, having already made his Ligue 1 debut in the final game of Paris Saint-Germain’s 2017-18 season.
New Arsenal boss Unai Emery had been hopeful of taking Adli with him to north London but the 17-year-old has belief in his ability to break through at the Parc des Princes.
AdvertisementGettyHoussem Aouar (France)
With Liverpool and Barcelona among those said to be tracking his progress, it is fair to say that Houssem Aouar is already making a name for himself in the European game.
A regular starter for Lyon last season when still only 19, the midfielder has the versatility to potentially make him a key member of the France squad heading to Qatar to defend their title.
At home in the centre of midfield, he can also fill the No.10 slot or play off the wing.
TélamSantiago Ascacibar (Argentina)
One of the most glaring elements of Argentina’s failure to recreate their run of 2014 with another final appearance in Russia was Javier Mascherano’s decline in the centre of midfield.
But now that the former Barcelona man has announced his international retirement, the new Albiceleste coach could look to build his side around Stuttgart’s Santiago Ascacibar instead.
The 21-year-old has the quality and discipline to carry out the role at the base of the midfield, which would allow Argentina to regain some control in the engine room.
Getty ImagesJosip Brekalo (Croatia)
For some, Croatia’s run to the World Cup final is the peak of their possibilities. But with players of the quality of Josip Brekalo still to break in to the senior side, there is plenty of hope for the future.
The 20-year-old attacker spent 2017 with Stuttgart and was such a success that Wolfsburg recalled him early from his loan spell in January of this year.
With the ability to play anywhere across the attacking midfield line, Brekalo offers the kind of versatility that national coaches love in their squads.