In the last issue of World Soccer we looked back over the events of 2023, so it feels only natural that this time we should look ahead to 2024.

It is a year filled with both excitement and trepidation. On the one hand, we have four continental championships to take in (the Africa Cup of Nations and Asian Cup this month, and Euro 2024 and the Copa America this summer), as well as a number of exciting domestic stories unfolding across Europe. On the other, football’s leaders, administrators and decision-makers continue to exasperate and infuriate supporters, coaches and players, with revised Champions League and Club World Cup formats on the horizon, not to mention renewed plans for a European Super League. Keir Radnedge and Nick Bidwell both take a look at all of these topics and more in their previews of 2024.

One thing that we can be sure of is that a new generation of superstars are just waiting to emerge, and we’ve selected 50 of the standout candidates to make a name for themselves in 2024. Picking out the talents of tomorrow has long been a World Soccer speciality, so make sure you remember the names.

We’ve also shone an extra spotlight on Liverpool superstar Trent Alexander-Arnold, who continues to be at the forefront of Jurgen Klopp’s evolution of the team this season. If the Reds — and, perhaps, England — are to be successful in 2024, he will have a big say.

Amidst all this crystal-ball gazing, there’s still room for a look back. Samindra Kunti was in Saudi Arabia to watch Manchester City lift the Club World Cup, Tim Vickery and Joel Richards tell the stories of South America’s 2023 domestic leagues — with particular focus on Brazil and Argentina — and Mark Gleeson and John Duerden provide updates from the African and Asian Champions Leagues.

Jamie Evans, Assistant Editor