Seven African Players to Watch at the 2026 World Cup

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

From June 11 to July 19, teams and star players from Africa will chase the ultimate football prize. They will play in venues across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Morocco leads Africa’s charge after reaching the semi-finals in Qatar in 2022. Newcomers Cape Verde will join the tournament for the first time, while DR Congo returns for the first time since 1974.

On Wednesday, BBC Sport Africa listed seven players expected to shine for their countries in the tournament.

1. Antoine Semenyo Leads Ghana’s Hopes

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

He scored 17 goals in the Premier League, with seven of them coming after joining City in January. With Tottenham’s Mohammed Kudus out with an injury, Semenyo will have to carry much of Ghana’s attacking load.

The Black Stars face a tough Group L that includes England, Croatia, and Panama. Semenyo, who did not play much at the 2022 World Cup, is eager to score his first goal in a major tournament.

2. 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 assisting eight times, helping his team finish third.

Diomande led the league in dribbles and duels won, making him a constant threat. He is linked with clubs like Liverpool and Chelsea and will be a key player as Ivory Coast returns to the World Cup for the first time since 2014. The Elephants face Germany, Ecuador, and debutants Curacao in Group E.

3. Veteran Keeper Ronwen Williams Steels South Africa

Ronwen Williams, South Africa’s captain and goalkeeper, brings valuable experience as Bafana Bafana returns to the World Cup for the first time since 2010. The 34-year-old is known for his penalty-saving skills, especially after stopping four penalties against Cape Verde in an Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final.

Fresh from winning the African Champions League with Mamelodi Sundowns, Williams will lead a squad aiming to get past the group stage for the first time. South Africa’s first match is against co-hosts Mexico on June 11, followed by games against the Czech Republic and South Korea.

4. Roberto Lopes: Cape Verde’s Unlikely Hero

Roberto “Pico” Lopes has been key in Cape Verde’s rise. The 33-year-old Shamrock Rovers defender, who learned about representing the island nation through LinkedIn, played a vital role in their historic qualification, finishing above Cameroon.

The Dublin-born player, who debuted in 2019, missed only one qualifying match. His leadership will be crucial as Cape Verde faces a tough Group H that includes Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia.

5. Brahim Diaz Seeks Redemption with Morocco

Brahim Diaz, a Real Madrid playmaker, was a star for Morocco at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, scoring five goals as they reached the final. However, the 26-year-old had a painful moment when his Panenka penalty was saved against Senegal.

Now representing Morocco after playing for Spain at youth level, Diaz seeks redemption as the Atlas Lions face Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti in Group C.

6. Ismaila Sarr in Career-Best Form for Senegal

Ismaila Sarr arrives at his third World Cup in great form. The 28-year-old forward for Crystal Palace scored a career-high 21 goals this season, including nine in the UEFA Conference League, helping the Eagles win their first European trophy.

Senegal, the reigning African champions, face a tough Group I against France, Norway, and Iraq. Sarr hopes to carry his club success onto the international stage.

7. Omar Marmoush Carries Egypt’s Attack

Omar Marmoush remains a key player for Egypt despite a mixed first season at Manchester City after moving from Eintracht Frankfurt. The 27-year-old forward contributed to City’s League Cup and FA Cup wins and scored at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, where Egypt finished fourth.

With captain Mohamed Salah returning from injury, Marmoush will be expected to perform as the Pharaohs, still looking for their first World Cup win, compete in the expanded tournament. The 2026 World Cup gives African football a chance to show its growing depth and talent on the world stage.