Top Africa stars tipped to light up 2026 World Cup
As the world eagerly awaits the commencement of the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup scheduled to kick off from June 11 to July 19, in the United States of America, Mexico, and Canada, 10 African national teams will also be vying for the coveted trophy while using the platform to showcase some of the extremely […]
As the world eagerly awaits the commencement of the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup scheduled to kick off from June 11 to July 19, in the United States of America, Mexico, and Canada, 10 African national teams will also be vying for the coveted trophy while using the platform to showcase some of the extremely talented players the continent is blessed with.
These outstanding players didn’t only distinguish themselves with exceptional performances during the qualifiers but also played pivotal roles in their countries’ quest for the precious tickets.
Therefore, in no particular order, Weekend Trust Sports profiles the top 10 players from the 10 African teams expected to dazzle at the next mundial in North America.
Morocco – Achraf Hakimi
The reigning king of African Football has etched his name in gold as one of the towering figures to carry the weight of not just his country but the continent, as the Atlas Lions aim to surpass their record of the first African country to reach the World Cup semi-finals, a feat achieved at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
So, Hakimi stands out as their most potent weapon. His pace and attacking drive from right-back give Morocco a unique edge. Capable of influencing both ends of the pitch, Hakimi embodies the team’s fearless approach heading into another global challenge.
He will lead his team’s charge with the support of compatriots like Sofyan Amrabat, star boy Brahim Diaz of Real Madrid, Noussair Mazraoui, Ayoub El Kaabi and Youssef En-Nesyri.
Egypt – Mohamed Salah
Salah is recognised as one of the greatest African footballers in history, breaking records as the top-scoring African in Champions League (50 goals) and Premier League history.
He is the all-time top scorer in the history of the African World Cup qualifiers, after scoring 20 goals for Egypt.
He surpassed the previous joint record of 18 goals held by Didier Drogba, Samuel Eto’o, Moumouni Dagano, and Islam Slimani.
Egypt once again will look to Salah as their talisman, supported by high-profile teammates like Manchester City’s Omar Marmoush, Mostafa Mohamed, Mohamed El Shenawy, Emam Ashour and Mahmoud Trezeguet
Considering his limited playing time for Liverpool this season, Salah may not be in top form but his leadership, and world-class ability make him one of Africa’s most dependable stars.
His knack for decisive contributions in key moments will be crucial if the Pharaohs are to make a deep run in the tournament.
Senegal – Sadio Mané
At the heart of what is going to be the reigning African champions’ fourth appearance at the World Cup is Sadio Mané. He has proven to be the team’s driving force, as showcased in his leadership, experience, and ability to deliver in decisive moments.
While Mané serves as the face of the Teranga Lions, the hopes of the national team to roar also lie on other key players like Kalidou Koulibaly and Edouard Mendy, as well as youngsters like Lamine Camara, Pape Matar Sarr, Nicolas Jackson and the 2025 AFCON hero Pape Gueye.
Senegal’s outstanding performance at the World Cup was when the West African nation reached the quarter-finals of the 2002 FIFA World Cup, making them the second team from Africa to do so after Cameroon in 1990.
Côte d’Ivoire – Amad Diallo
Since he made his debut against Niger in 2021, Amad has cemented himself as a key figure in the Ivory Coast squad.
Although he missed out on the selection during the 2023 AFCON, the Manchester United youngster shone at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, scoring three goals and providing one assist in four matches while winning multiple Man of the Match awards.
He was instrumental to Côte d’Ivoire’s qualification push, contributing important goals and assists in decisive matches.
Diallo emerged as a key attacking presence, with his creativity and direct running adding unpredictability to the Elephants’ attack as they secured qualification.
He has not yet featured at a FIFA World Cup, making 2026 a potential breakthrough tournament for one of Côte d’Ivoire’s brightest young talents.
Apart from the young Dialla, Cote d’Ivoire boasts of experienced campaigners like Franck Kessié, Wilfried Zaha, Simon Adingara, Evaan Guessand, but Sébastien Haller remains their hitman.
Algeria – Riyad Mahrez
This year’s edition of the World Cup sees the twilight of Algeria captain Riyad Mahrez’s international career.
So, his appearance may be aptly titled “the last of Mahrez,” a prominent figure among the continent’s most illustrious players.
Algeria’s technical quality is undeniable, with Ismaël Bennacer anchoring midfield, but the former African Footballer of the Year remains their creative spark.
Even in the twilight of his career, his dribbling, vision, and composure under pressure allow him to unlock defences in crucial moments.
Mahrez thrives in tight situations, and if he finds rhythm, Algeria becomes one of the most dangerous attacking sides in any tournament.
Ghana – Antoine Semenyo
Manchester City man, Antoine Semenyo, played an important role in Ghana’s qualification, contributing goals and assists while providing pace and directness in attack.
While not the top scorer, his influence in key moments added depth to Ghana’s offensive play. He featured at the 2022 World Cup, gaining valuable experience.
At the 2026 World Cup, the former AFC Bournemouth attacking winger is expected to take on a bigger role as the Black Stars’ attack evolves.
Ghana’s squad blends experience with youthful energy. Thomas Partey, Mohammed Kudus, Inaki Williams, Jordan Ayew, Alexander Djiku, and Gideon Mensah are the other influential players in the World Cup squad.
Tunisia – Ellyes Skhiri
Ellyes Skhiri has been instrumental to the qualification of the Carthage Eagles to the World Cup since he joined the national team in 2018.
Ahead of Tunisia’s participation at the 2026 World Cup, Skhiri has become the cynosure of all eyes, assuming the responsibility to ensure the country’s seventh appearance counts in history.
Tunisia’s strength has always been their organization and discipline. With experienced figures like Youssef Msakni providing attacking guidance and Skhiri in midfield, the team is primed to pull strings of surprises at the tournament.
DR Congo – Chancel Mbemba
Mbemba’s contribution to breaking the 52-year jinx of Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) absence at the World Cup cannot be underestimated.
This will be their second World Cup, following their 1974 appearance as Zaire.
Mbemba is recognised as the first Congolese player to reach the milestone of over 100 international caps.
Despite standing tall at the back to keep at bay flurrying attacks from opposing teams, Mbemba has scored goals during crucial matches.
He scored the stoppage-time winner in a 1–0 victory over Cameroon during the 2026 World Cup playoff in Morocco.
Three days later, he scored the decisive penalty in a 4–3 shootout victory over Nigeria after a 1–1 draw, sending his nation to the inter-confederation play-offs.
Unarguably, DR Congo possess a physically strong and experienced squad, featuring big name players like Aaron Wan-Bissaka, Yoane Wissa, Axel Tuanzebe, Arthur Masuku, Noah Sadiki, Charles Pickel, and Cédric Bakambu, but Chancel Mbemba anchors their defence.
South Africa – Percy Tau
Tau was excluded from the South African national team (Bafana Bafana) 2025 AFCON qualifier squad in October 2024 following a request to be left out due to personal issues.
However, barring late, the man popularly called the “Lion of Judah” is set to lead the Bafana Bafana’s frontline when the tournament kicks off in North America this June.
No doubt, Tau’s return is a major boost for the Bafana Bafana but South Africa also boasts of other influential players like the goalkeeper and captain, Ronwen Williams, Teboho Mokoena, Lyle Foster, Jayden Adams and Kelebohile Mofokeng.
Cape Verde – Ryan Mendes
The hope of Cape Verde lies strongly on Mendes. The captain is the most capped player and top goalscorer, earning over 90 caps since his debut in 2010.
He represented the “Blue Sharks” at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2013, 2015, 2021, and 2023, contributing immensely to the qualification of the country for their first-ever FIFA World Cup.
The country secured a spot at the 2026 tournament by winning their African qualifying group, beating out Cameroon, following a 3–0 victory against Eswatini in October 2025.
Ryan Mendes stands out as their attacking leader. His pace and directness make him a constant threat on the counter. While the squad may lack global stars, Mendes provides the cutting edge needed to turn disciplined performances into tangible results.