The expanded 48-team FIFA World Cup in 2026 is set to mark a significant milestone for African football, with a record ten African nations qualifying for the tournament. As the continent prepares for its largest-ever representation on football’s biggest stage, several players are expected to play key roles for their respective countries.
Africa’s growing influence at the World Cup was highlighted in Qatar in 2022, when Morocco became the first African nation to reach the semi-finals. The 2026 tournament, which will be hosted across the United States, Mexico and Canada from 11 June to 19 July, will also feature Cape Verde in their first-ever World Cup appearance and DR Congo in their first participation since 1974.
BBC Sport has identified seven African players who could attract particular attention during the tournament.
| Player | Country | Position | Notable Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antoine Semenyo | Ghana | Forward | Key attacking player for Ghana |
| Ian Diomande | Ivory Coast | Forward | Bundesliga Rookie of the Season |
| Ronwen Williams | South Africa | Goalkeeper | National captain and experienced international |
| Roberto “Pico” Lopes | Cape Verde | Defender | Instrumental in World Cup qualification |
| Brahim Diaz | Morocco | Winger | Leading performer for Morocco |
| Ismaila Sarr | Senegal | Forward/Winger | Important member of Senegal’s attack |
| Omar Marmoush | Egypt | Winger | One of Egypt’s leading attacking threats |
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Antoine Semenyo
London-born Ghana international Antoine Semenyo has emerged as one of the country’s most influential attacking players. The forward recently helped Manchester City secure the FA Cup by scoring the winning goal against Chelsea in the final. Although City fell short in the Premier League title race, Semenyo’s performances have strengthened his reputation ahead of the World Cup.
Ian Diomande
Ivory Coast, known as “The Elephants”, will return to the World Cup for the first time since 2014. Nineteen-year-old Ian Diomande is widely regarded as one of the nation’s most promising talents since the era of Didier Drogba.
Playing for Bundesliga side Leipzig, Diomande recorded 12 goals and eight assists during the season. His contributions helped the club finish third in the league and return to the UEFA Champions League after missing qualification in the 2024–25 campaign. His performances earned him the league’s Rookie of the Season award.
Ronwen Williams
South Africa will make another World Cup appearance after previously participating as hosts in 2010. Much of the team’s confidence rests on captain and goalkeeper Ronwen Williams, whose reputation grew significantly after saving four penalties in a shoot-out against Cape Verde in the Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals.
Roberto “Pico” Lopes
Cape Verde defender Roberto “Pico” Lopes has one of the most unusual international football stories. Born in Dublin and playing for Irish club Shamrock Rovers, the 33-year-old received an invitation to represent Cape Verde in 2019.
The approach came through a LinkedIn message from the national team coach. Initially assuming the Portuguese-language message was spam, Lopes ignored it for nearly nine months before translating it and accepting the opportunity to represent the country of his Cape Verdean father.
Under his leadership, Cape Verde have continued to progress internationally. The team reached the quarter-finals of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations and secured qualification for the 2026 World Cup by finishing ahead of Cameroon in Group D.
Brahim Diaz
Morocco’s Brahim Diaz was one of the standout performers at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. The Real Madrid winger scored five goals, won the Golden Boot award and played a major role in Morocco’s run to the final. Morocco ultimately finished runners-up after losing to Senegal in extra time.
Diaz has also enjoyed success in European club football, winning major honours with Manchester City, AC Milan and Real Madrid.
Ismaila Sarr
Senegal forward Ismaila Sarr remains one of his nation’s most important attacking players. Currently playing for Crystal Palace in the English Premier League, Sarr was a key member of Senegal’s victorious 2021 Africa Cup of Nations squad. He also played a significant role in helping the team reach the final of the 2025 tournament.
Omar Marmoush
Egyptian winger Omar Marmoush is regarded as one of Africa’s most promising attacking talents. Currently with Manchester City, he is known for his pace, dribbling ability and goal-scoring threat.
Alongside Mohamed Salah, Marmoush is expected to be one of Egypt’s principal attacking weapons as the nation seeks to make a strong impression at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
With a record number of African teams competing, the upcoming tournament is expected to provide a significant platform for these players to showcase their abilities on the global stage.