Top 7 African Players to Watch at 2026 World Cup

A record 10 African countries will compete at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, taking advantage of the tournament’s expansion to 48 teams.

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

Morocco, who became the first African side to reach the semi-finals in Qatar in 2022, lead the continent’s challenge once again. Newcomers Cape Verde will make their debut, while DR Congo return for the first time since 1974.

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

1 Antoine Semenyo Leads Ghana’s Hopes

London-born forward Antoine Semenyo enters the tournament in strong form after a standout season.

The 26-year-old, who moved to Manchester City mid-season, scored the winning goal with a moment of brilliance 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 sidelined by injury, Semenyo is likely to shoulder much of Ghana’s attacking burden.

The Black Stars face a tough Group L containing England, Croatia, and Panama. Semenyo, who featured sparingly at the 2022 World Cup, will be determined to score his first goal at a major tournament.

2. Young Star Yan Diomande Powers Ivory Coast

Nineteen-year-old Yan Diomande has emerged as one of Europe’s most exciting talents. The RB Leipzig attacker claimed the Bundesliga’s Rookie of the Season award after scoring 12 goals and providing eight assists, helping his side 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 a key figure as Ivory Coast return 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 vital experience and leadership as Bafana Bafana return to the World Cup for the first time since hosting in 2010. The 34-year-old shot-stopper is renowned for his penalty-saving heroics, most notably stopping four spot-kicks in an Africa Cup of Nations quarter-final against Cape Verde.

Fresh from winning the African Champions League with Mamelodi Sundowns, Williams will anchor a squad aiming to advance past the group stage for the first time. South Africa open the tournament against co-hosts Mexico on 11 June, before facing the Czech Republic and South Korea.

4. Roberto Lopes: Cape Verde’s Unlikely Hero Roberto “Pico” Lopes has been instrumental in Cape Verde’s remarkable rise. The 33-year-old Shamrock Rovers centre-back, who was first contacted about representing the island nation via LinkedIn, helped secure their historic qualification with a key campaign that saw them finish above Cameroon.

The Dublin-born defender, who made his debut in 2019, missed just one qualifying match. His leadership will be crucial as Cape Verde face a daunting Group H against Spain, Uruguay, and Saudi Arabia.

5. Brahim Diaz Seeks Redemption with Morocco

Real Madrid playmaker Brahim Diaz starred for hosts Morocco at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, scoring five goals as they reached the final. However, the 26-year-old suffered a painful miss when his Panenka penalty was saved in stoppage time against Senegal. Now switched to Morocco after representing Spain at youth level, Diaz will look for atonement when 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 successive World Cup in excellent 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 claimed their first European trophy. Senegal, the reigning African champions, face a challenging Group I against France, Norway, and Iraq. Sarr will hope to replicate his club success on the international stage.

7. Omar Marmoush Carries Egypt’s Attack

Omar Marmoush remains a central figure for Egypt despite a mixed first full season at Manchester City following his big-money move from Eintracht Frankfurt. The 27-year-old forward contributed to City’s League Cup and FA Cup successes 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 deliver as the Pharaohs — still searching for their first World Cup victory — compete in the expanded tournament. The 2026 World Cup offers African football a platform to showcase its growing depth and talent on the world stage.