On Day 5 of Ladbrokes' 2026 World Cup Countdown, we're looking at some of this summer's World Cup debutants
Erling Haaland and Lamine Yamal both striving for individual awards at their first World Cups
Morgan Rogers expected to impress for England at his first-ever major tournament

With five days to go until the start of the 2026 World Cup, Ladbrokes looks at five players who will be making their World Cup debuts this summer.
So many of the world's biggest stars are yet to make their World Cup bow, but with 48 nations at the 2026 World Cup, the door has been opened to more players than ever before - and it's going to make for one serious spectacle in North America.
Below, we've picked out five men who will be taking to a World Cup pitch for the very first time, from Golden Ball candidates to up-and-coming superstars.
Erling Haaland (Norway)
Lamine Yamal (Spain)
Morgan Rogers (England)
Arda Guler (Turkey)
Rayan (Brazil)
Erling Haaland doesn't need much of an introduction these days, with his goalscoring exploits making him one of the most feared strikers in world football, and with Norway appearing at their first World Cup since 1998, the 25-year-old is going to play a big part this summer. Being drawn into a group with tournament favourites France is a pretty harsh reintroduction to World Cup football for Norway, but with Haaland looking to become the first Norwegian ever to win the Golden Boot, he is certainly going to catch the eye in Group I.
Lamine Yamal has already led his country to Euro 2024 glory, and as the star man in an already mouthwatering Spain squad, it would be a huge shock if he didn't light up the 2026 World Cup. The teenager makes football look easy, gliding past players as if they aren't even there, and as one of the frontrunners to win the Golden Ball, a lot of people are expecting big things. It'll be the first World Cup of many for Yamal, but we think this year could be the year he truly cements himself as one of the world's very best.
England's squad is packed with talent, but Aston Villa's Morgan Rogers is certainly one to watch for Thomas Tuchel's side, with his immense power and incredible dribbling ability making him a danger for any opponent. Whether he's playing centrally or drifting in from wide areas, the 23-year-old has shown time and time again that he can hurt teams from all angles - and with the England manager seemingly being so fond of him, we're backing the Villa man to have a huge impact as England strive to reach a first World Cup final since 1966.
Arda Guler has already banked a number of impressive performances for both Real Madrid and Turkey in his young career, but at his maiden World Cup, the 21-year-old will be looking to guide his country deep into the tournament - with many tipping Vincenzo Montella's side as dark horses. Guler has the chance to do something seriously special in Group D, with none of Turkey's opponents looking too dangerous, so we think the diminutive attacking midfielder could be one of the most eye-catching players across the entire group stage.
Finally we turn our attention to Rayan, who will be appearing at his first-ever World Cup having recently made his way into Carlo Ancelotti's Brazil squad - and if his Premier League form is anything to go by, then we're in for a treat. Pace, skill, and a refreshing directness make Rayan a hugely exciting talent, and at just 19 years old, this summer could see the Bournemouth man become a world star. If Brazil go deep into the tournament, expect the teenager to have a significant say.
Ladbrokes is celebrating the World Cup countdown with a new price boost every day between now and the start of the tournament, with today's offer looking at Scotland's chance of reaching the quarter-finals for the first time ever.
Despite being drawn into a challenging group, Scotland will more than fancy their chances of reaching the knockouts this summer, and the Tartan Army's odds of reaching the final eight have now been boosted to 11/1.
Check out the latest betting promotions from Ladbrokes to enhance your betting experience.
All odds and market details are accurate as of the time of publication.