Top African Players to Watch at the 2026 World Cup

A record 10 African countries will compete at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This comes as the tournament expands to 48 teams.

From June 11 to July 19, teams and star players from Africa will chase football’s biggest prize across the USA, Mexico, and Canada.

Morocco, the first African team to reach the semi-finals in Qatar in 2022, leads the continent’s challenge again. Newcomers Cape Verde will make their debut, while DR Congo returns for the first time since 1974.

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

1. Antoine Semenyo Leads Ghana’s Hopes

London-born forward Antoine Semenyo comes into the tournament in great form after a standout season. The 26-year-old, who moved to Manchester City mid-season, scored the winning goal in the FA Cup final against Chelsea. He netted 17 Premier League goals, seven of them after joining City in January. With Tottenham’s Mohammed Kudus out due to injury, Semenyo is likely to carry much of Ghana’s attacking load. The Black Stars face a tough Group L with England, Croatia, and Panama. Semenyo, who played sparingly at the 2022 World Cup, will be 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 talents. 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 threat in one-on-one situations. Linked with moves to clubs like Liverpool and Chelsea, he will be key as Ivory Coast returns to the World Cup for the first time since 2014. The Elephants will face Germany, Ecuador, and debutants Curacao in Group E.

1. Veteran Keeper Ronwen Williams Steels South Africa

Ronwen Williams, South Africa’s captain and goalkeeper, brings vital experience as Bafana Bafana returns to the World Cup for the first time since hosting in 2010. The 34-year-old shot-stopper is known for his penalty-saving skills, especially stopping 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 aiming to advance past the group stage for the first time. South Africa opens the tournament against co-hosts Mexico on June 11, followed by the Czech Republic and South Korea.

1. Roberto Lopes: Cape Verde’s Unlikely Hero

Roberto “Pico” Lopes has played a big role in Cape Verde’s rise. The 33-year-old Shamrock Rovers centre-back first learned about representing the island nation through LinkedIn. He helped secure their historic qualification, finishing above Cameroon in the qualifiers. The Dublin-born defender, who debuted in 2019, missed just one qualifying match. His leadership will be crucial as Cape Verde faces a tough Group H against Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia.

1. Brahim Diaz Seeks Redemption with Morocco

Real Madrid playmaker Brahim Diaz stood out for Morocco at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, scoring five goals as they reached the final. The 26-year-old endured a tough moment when his Panenka penalty was saved in stoppage time against Senegal. Now switched to Morocco after playing for Spain at youth level, Diaz will look for redemption when the Atlas Lions face Brazil, Scotland, and Haiti in Group C.

1. Ismaila Sarr in Career-Best Form for Senegal

Ismaila Sarr arrives at his third World Cup in great form. The 28-year-old Crystal Palace forward scored a career-high 21 goals this season, with nine in the UEFA Conference League as the Eagles claimed their first European trophy. Senegal, the reigning African champions, face a tough Group I against France, Norway, and Iraq. Sarr will hope 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 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 back from injury, Marmoush will be expected to perform as the Pharaohs, still searching for their first World Cup victory, compete in the expanded tournament. The 2026 World Cup offers African football a chance to show its growing talent on the world stage.