By Victor Araiza
When the ball gets rolling at Leagues Cup 2026, the trophy isn't the only thing at stake — so is the chance to shine on one of the region's biggest stages. Tickets are currently available and fans are encouraged to visit leaguescup.com/tickets or their local club websites for details.
The tournament gives young players the opportunity to test themselves against some of the best clubs in North America in high-pressure matches. Here are some of the prospects who could elevate their stock this summer.
MLS Rising Stars
Cavan Sullivan, Philadelphia Union
Any list of MLS prodigies begins with 16-year-old Cavan Sullivan, who made headlines two years ago after signing a homegrown contract with the Philadelphia Union that includes an agreement to join Manchester City when he turns 18. He made his pro debut with the Union’s MLS NEXT Pro side at 14 years, 293 days old, a record across North American major professional sports. With one goal and four assists in 13 MLS appearances, Sullivan is putting together the best season of his young career.
Zavier Gozo, Real Salt Lake
Nineteen-year-old Zavier Gozo continues his rapid rise at Real Salt Lake. After recording four goals and three assists in 25 appearances during a breakout 2025 campaign, he has already surpassed those totals with six goals and five assists in just 14 matches this season.
Mbekezeli Mbokazi, Chicago Fire
While Robert Lewandowski has grabbed the majority of the headlines in Chicago, 20-year-old Mbekezeli Mbokazi has quietly become one of MLS's top young defenders. His impressive first season has earned him a place in the 2026 MLS All-Star Game, and he arrives at Leagues Cup after receiving his first FIFA World Cup call-up with South Africa.
David Martínez, LAFC
David Martínez, 20, has emerged as one of LAFC's most dangerous young attackers with five goals and two assists in 833 minutes in league play this season. While the spotlight often falls on teammates Denis Bouanga and Son Heung-Min, defenses would be wise not to ignore the young Venezuelan winger who is capable of scoring spectacular goals of his own.
Diego Luna, Real Salt Lake
Diego Luna, still only 22, will seek to continue his ascent with Real Salt Lake. After winning MLS Young Player of the Year in 2024 and helping the United States reach the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup Final, Luna enters Leagues Cup as one of MLS's brightest young stars and a player capable of deciding matches in the final third.
Édier Ocampo, Vancouver Whitecaps
Édier Ocampo has been a vital part of a Vancouver side that reached the Concacaf Champions Cup and MLS Cup finals in 2025 before lifting the Canadian Championship. The 22-year-old right back has recorded one goal and four assists in 1,100 MLS minutes this season, already surpassing last year’s four goal contributions in league play.
Liga MX Rising Stars
Gilberto Mora, Tijuana
Gilberto Mora, 17, is the first name that comes to mind when discussing Liga MX prodigies. After helping Mexico to a Round of 16 finish at the FIFA World Cup, and a record 10th Concacaf Gold Cup in 2025, Mora is only expected to continue his rise as the region’s top prospect.
Elías Montiel, Pachuca
Elías Montiel, 20, is one of Mexico's brightest midfield prospects after helping Pachuca win the 2024 Concacaf Champions Cup and finish runners-up at the FIFA Intercontinental Cup, winning the Bronze Ball Award. He also helped Mexico to the 2024 Concacaf U-20 Championship, earning Best XI honors. One of the defining moments of his young career came when he scored against Real Madrid at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025.
Luka Romero, Cruz Azul
Luka Romero was part of Cruz Azul’s Clausura 2026 winning squad, helping the club to its 10th league title. After scoring once in 429 minutes during the Clausura campaign, the 21-year-old has already found the net in just 101 minutes to begin Apertura 2026, suggesting his best is still ahead of him.
Dagoberto Espinoza, Club América
Continuing his rise from the youth ranks at Club América, 22-year-old Dagoberto Espinoza is ready to make a consistent impact in the first team. After opening the season with a full 90-minute performance, he is expected to take another step forward under new manager Guillermo Almada. Having developed within América’s run of three consecutive league titles, Espinoza enters Leagues Cup immersed in the club's winning culture.
Armando González, Guadalajara
Armando González is coming off the best season of his young career after challenging for the Golden Boot during both the Apertura and Clausura 2026 campaigns. The 23-year-old earned Player of the Tournament and Best XI honors in both competitions and will also represent Liga MX at the 2026 MLS All-Star Game.
Brian Gutiérrez, Guadalajara
Brian Gutiérrez has quickly become a larger part of Chivas' midfield while also emerging among the new generation of players in Mexico's national team setup. The 23-year-old recorded one assist in four FIFA World Cup appearances, including two starts, and will look to continue his rise as he makes his third Leagues Cup appearance after playing the previous two editions with the Chicago Fire.
Leagues Cup has become more than a clash between MLS and Liga MX — it has also become a proving ground for the next generation of stars. From established internationals to emerging academy products, these young talents will have the opportunity to showcase their abilities on one of North America’s biggest stages.
Leagues Cup and tickets are currently available. Fans are encouraged to visit leaguescup.com/tickets or their local club websites for ticket details. For general information, visit LeaguesCup.com and follow @LeaguesCup on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube; @LeaguesCup on TikTok and subscribe to our channel on WhatsApp.
