As the FIFA World Cup 2026™ draws closer, we are spotlighting some youngsters seemingly set to illuminate the beautiful game’s greatest tournament.
Nico Paz
Date of birth: 8 September 2004
Teams: Argentina and Como
International debut: 15 October 2024 v Bolivia (aged 20)
Position: Attacking midfielder
Standout skills: Creativity, vision, ability to control the tempo, ball-carrying, eye for goals.
Why Paz could be a World Cup sensation
At Qatar 2022, Argentina’s World Cup-winning team benefited from the emergence of young players who previously had little experience in the senior set-up. Julian Alvarez, Alexis Mac Allister and Enzo Fernandez rose to the occasion and established themselves as key figures in La Albiceleste’s quest for success, culminating in their unforgettable final victory over France.
Lionel Scaloni has a knack for knowing when Argentina need to evolve, and he has never been afraid to trust players when the time is right. That pattern could be repeated at the FIFA World Cup 2026, which would open the door for the likes of Nico Paz to step up and take responsibility. A left-footed, creative midfielder with a natural feel for operating between the lines, Paz could bring freshness, composure and an element of unpredictability in the final third.
The youngster’s rise in European football has placed him firmly among a new crop of players vying for a spot in the national team. At the heart of Como’s ambitious project under Cesc Fabregas, Paz has developed from a promising prospect into one of Serie A’s most impactful young talents, recording 12 goals and seven assists in the Italian top flight so far during the 2025/26 season while becoming increasingly influential in the team’s attack.
Incisive in his passing, explosive near the box, capable of carrying the ball through the lines and dangerous in front of goal, Paz looks tailor-made for an Argentina side that blends talent, intensity and versatility. In a team that retains the core of its most recent golden generation, but which is also looking to the future, Paz is emerging as one of the young talents who could add another dimension to Scaloni’s attack at the upcoming global showpiece.
Paz’s magic moments
Enjoy highlights of the moments that have made the Como and Argentina star one of the World Cup 2026’s players to watch.
What’s been said about Paz
“He has bags of quality and I hope he keeps improving. He wasn’t even born when I made my top-flight [La Liga] debut. He has a great head on his shoulders and reads the game perfectly. I hope he continues on this path. He enjoyed himself out there, and I think he’ll feel at home in this team because we see a lot of the ball. He grew up playing that way and possesses real quality.”
Lionel Messi, Argentina team-mate
“He was delighted to be called up to the national team, and he has a bright future ahead of him. It’s not for me to say, but if Real Madrid have a buy-back option for Nico Paz, I wouldn’t think twice. I know him – he has what it takes not only to play for Real Madrid, but to keep on taking his game to the next level.”
Lionel Scaloni, Argentina coach
“He’s a special player who needs the freedom to express himself; we mustn’t turn him into a robot – he’s a champion. I’m not worried about his future in the slightest because I can differentiate between when a player is truly hungry and has the mentality to reach the very top, and when someone is simply enjoying a good run of form. He can go as far as he wants if he keeps showing this humility. The talent and physique are there.”
Cesc Fabregas, Como coach
“I follow him closely – he’s performing at a very high level. He’s in splendid form and looks set to keep improving and give Argentina plenty to smile about. The issue is that [Real] Madrid have so many good players, and bringing him back just to sit on the bench wouldn’t help his development. His time at Como has done him the world of good. He’s full of confidence and looks even better than last season, and I’m delighted for him. The time will come for him to shine at a big club.”
Angel Di Maria, former Argentina star
“Let’s just say that Italian talent is in short supply at the moment. The one player I’m keeping tabs on right now – even though he isn’t Italian – is Nico Paz. There’s something about him that really intrigues me. He has what it takes to become one of the best players in the world.”
Francesco Totti, Roma legend and former Italy forward
