A record ten African nations are set to participate in the expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup in 2026, reflecting the continent’s growing presence in global football. The tournament, scheduled from 11 June to 19 July across the United States, Mexico and Canada, will feature a number of prominent African players aiming to make a significant impact.
Morocco’s historic run to the semi-finals of the Qatar World Cup marked the first time an African team reached that stage, underlining the continent’s competitive progress. The 2026 edition will also see Cape Verde making their World Cup debut, while DR Congo return to the finals for the first time since 1974.
BBC Sport has identified seven African players to watch during the tournament, based on recent performances and contributions at club and international level.
| Player | Country | Position | Notable Achievements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antoine Semenyo | Ghana | Forward | FA Cup final winning goal |
| Ian Diomande | Ivory Coast | Midfielder/Forward | 12 goals, 8 assists; Rookie of the Season |
| Ronwen Williams | South Africa | Goalkeeper | Four saves in penalty shootout |
| Roberto ‘Pico’ Lopes | Cape Verde | Defender | Key role in World Cup qualification |
| Brahim Díaz | Morocco | Winger | 5 goals; AFCON 2025 top scorer |
| Ismaïla Sarr | Senegal | Forward/Winger | AFCON 2021 winner |
| Omar Marmoush | Egypt | Winger | Noted for pace and dribbling |
Antoine Semenyo, a London-born forward representing Ghana, recently played a decisive role at club level. He scored the winning goal in the FA Cup final against Chelsea, helping Manchester City secure the title, although he was unable to guide his side to the Premier League crown.
Ivory Coast’s Ian Diomande has emerged as a leading talent since the nation’s return to the World Cup for the first time since 2014. Widely regarded as a potential successor to Didier Drogba in terms of influence, the 19-year-old impressed in the German Bundesliga with RB Leipzig. His tally of 12 goals and eight assists helped the club finish third and qualify again for the UEFA Champions League after missing out in the 2024/25 season. His performances earned him the ‘Rookie of the Season’ award.
South Africa will return to the World Cup after last appearing as hosts in 2010. Their campaign is expected to rely significantly on captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, who gained recognition for saving four penalties in a shootout against Cape Verde during the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals.
Cape Verde defender Roberto ‘Pico’ Lopes has played a central role in his team’s recent progress. Born in Dublin and playing club football for Shamrock Rovers, Lopes received his first international call-up in 2019 through an unconventional LinkedIn message from the national team coach. Initially disregarded as spam due to its Portuguese language, the message was later translated, leading Lopes to represent Cape Verde through his paternal heritage. He contributed significantly to their qualification, as the team topped Group D ahead of Cameroon and reached the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Morocco’s Brahim Díaz was the standout player at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, scoring five goals to claim the Golden Boot and leading his side to the final, where they finished runners-up to Senegal after extra time. Díaz has also won league titles in three major European competitions: the Premier League with Manchester City, Serie A with AC Milan, and both La Liga and the UEFA Champions League with Real Madrid.
Senegal’s Ismaïla Sarr remains a key attacking figure. A member of the squad that won the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations, he also contributed significantly to Senegal’s run to the final in 2025.
Egypt’s Omar Marmoush, currently playing for Manchester City, is recognised for his pace, dribbling ability and finishing. Alongside Mohamed Salah, he forms an important part of Egypt’s attacking unit heading into the tournament.
These players are expected to play important roles for their respective nations as Africa seeks to build on its recent progress at the World Cup.