As the 2026 FIFA World Cup draws nearer, we are turning our attention to the young talents who could illuminate football's greatest tournament.
Nico Paz, born September 8, 2004, represents Argentina and plays for Como. He made his international debut on October 15, 2024 against Bolivia at age 20. An attacking midfielder by trade, his standout qualities include creativity, vision, tempo control, ball-carrying ability, and an eye for goal. At Qatar 2022, Argentina's World Cup triumph was fueled by young players who had little prior experience in the senior setup. Julian Alvarez, Alexis Mac Allister, and Enzo Fernandez seized their opportunities and became pivotal figures in the Albiceleste's unforgettable final victory over France.
Lionel Scaloni has demonstrated a knack for knowing when Argentina needs to evolve, and he has never been afraid to trust players at the right moment. That pattern could repeat at the 2026 World Cup, opening the door for talents like Paz to step up. A left-footed creative midfielder with a natural feel for operating between the lines, Paz brings freshness, composure, and unpredictability in the final third. His rise in European football has firmly placed him among a new generation vying for national team spots. Under Cesc Fabregas at Como, 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 2025/26 season while becoming increasingly influential in his team's attack. With incisive passing, explosive movement near the box, and dangerous finishing ability, Paz seems tailor-made for an Argentina side that blends talent, intensity, and versatility.
