10 stars to watch in 2026

A football World Cup, the Winter Olympics and numerous grand slams and majors will define the sports stars of 2026.

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Here the Press Association picks out ten contenders for headlines across the 12 months to come.Lamine Yamal (Football)

Since making his Barcelona debut at the age of 15 in 2023, Yamal has continued to rewrite the record books for both club and country, and will head into next summer's World Cup as a veteran of the big occasion. Spain will be heavily reliant on the now 18-year-old’s audacious talent in north America.

Beau Greaves (darts)

Having dominated the women’s scene for a number of years, the Doncaster 21-year-old is ready to pit her wits on PDC Tour having earned a two-year tour card in 2025. Victory over Luke Littler en route to this year's world youth final is testament to Greaves’ talent and she is sure to ruffle plenty of feathers.

Davina Perrin (cricket)