Meet the African Stars to Watch at the 2026 World Cup

Ghana's Antoine Semenyo is ready to play in his second World Cup. Morocco's Brahim Diaz and South Africa's Ronwen Williams will also make their World Cup debuts.

A record 10 African countries will participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This is thanks to the tournament expanding to 48 teams.

From June 11 to July 19, teams and players from Africa will compete for football’s biggest prize in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Morocco, which became the first African team to reach the semi-finals in Qatar in 2022, will lead Africa’s charge again. Newcomers Cape Verde will be playing in their first World Cup. Meanwhile, DR Congo returns for the first time since 1974.

On Wednesday, BBC Sport Africa picked seven players expected to shine for their nations during the tournament.

1. Antoine Semenyo Leads Ghana’s Hopes

Antoine Semenyo, born in London, comes into the tournament after a great season. The 26-year-old forward moved to Manchester City mid-season and scored the winning goal in the FA Cup final against Chelsea.

He netted 17 goals in the Premier League, with seven scored after joining City in January. With Tottenham’s Mohammed Kudus injured, Semenyo is likely to carry much of Ghana’s attacking load.

The Black Stars have a tough Group L that includes England, Croatia, and Panama. Semenyo, who played little at the 2022 World Cup, is eager to score his first goal at a major tournament.

1. Young Star Yan Diomande Powers Ivory Coast

Nineteen-year-old Yan Diomande has become one of Europe’s most exciting young players. The RB Leipzig attacker won the Bundesliga’s Rookie of the Season award after scoring 12 goals and providing eight assists, helping his team finish third.

Diomande led the league in dribbles attempted and duels won, making him a constant danger in one-on-one situations. Linked with clubs like Liverpool and Chelsea, he will be crucial as Ivory Coast returns to the World Cup after 2014. The Elephants are in Group E with Germany, Ecuador, and debutants Curacao.

1. Veteran Keeper Ronwen Williams Steels South Africa

Ronwen Williams, South Africa’s captain and goalkeeper, brings much-needed experience and leadership. Bafana Bafana are back in the World Cup for the first time since they hosted in 2010. The 34-year-old is known for his penalty-saving skills, especially when he saved four penalties in an Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final against Cape Verde.

Fresh from winning the African Champions League with Mamelodi Sundowns, Williams will lead a squad hoping to get past the group stage for the first time. South Africa opens the tournament against co-hosts Mexico on June 11, then face the Czech Republic and South Korea.

1. Roberto Lopes: Cape Verde’s Unlikely Hero

Roberto “Pico” Lopes has been key to Cape Verde’s rise. The 33-year-old Shamrock Rovers center-back first learned about representing Cape Verde through LinkedIn. He helped secure their historic qualification by finishing above Cameroon.

The Dublin-born defender made his debut in 2019 and missed only one qualifying match. His leadership will be vital as Cape Verde faces a tough Group H against Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia.

1. Brahim Diaz Seeks Redemption with Morocco

Real Madrid’s Brahim Diaz played well for Morocco at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, scoring five goals as they reached the final. But the 26-year-old had a painful moment when his Panenka penalty was saved against Senegal in stoppage time.

Now playing for Morocco after representing Spain at youth level, Diaz wants to make up for that miss. Morocco will face Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti in Group C.

1. Ismaila Sarr in Career-Best Form for Senegal

Ismaila Sarr is heading into his third World Cup in great form. The 28-year-old Crystal Palace forward scored a career-high 21 goals this season, including nine in the UEFA Conference League as the Eagles won their first European trophy.

Senegal, the defending African champions, have a tough Group I with France, Norway, and Iraq. Sarr hopes to carry his club success to the international stage.

1. Omar Marmoush Carries Egypt’s Attack

Omar Marmoush is a key player for Egypt despite a mixed first full season at Manchester City after his big move from Eintracht Frankfurt. The 27-year-old forward helped City win the League Cup and FA Cup and scored at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where Egypt finished fourth.

With captain Mohamed Salah returning from injury, Marmoush will need to perform as the Pharaohs look for their first World Cup win. The 2026 World Cup gives African football a chance to show its growing talent on the global stage.