The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to be a spectacle, with a record 10 African nations participating in the expanded 48-team tournament. As the excitement builds, here's a deep dive into seven African players who could make waves in the United States, Mexico, and Canada from June 11 to July 19. Get ready for some thrilling football and unforgettable moments!
Antoine Semenyo: Ghana's Premier League Hero
Semenyo, the London-born forward, is a rising star in Ghana's football scene. After a stellar season with Manchester City, where he provided the winner in the FA Cup final, Semenyo is now carrying his nation's hopes. With Tottenham's Mohammed Kudus out injured, Semenyo will be looking to score his first goal in a major tournament as Ghana faces England, Croatia, and Panama in Group L. What makes this particularly fascinating is how Semenyo's journey from Bournemouth to the Etihad Stadium showcases the power of talent and hard work. In my opinion, he could be the surprise package of the tournament, especially with Ghana's strong group stage draw.
Yan Diomande: Ivory Coast's Young Talent
The Elephants return to the World Cup for the first time since 2014, and at the heart of their team is Yan Diomande, the 19-year-old sensation from RB Leipzig. With 12 goals and eight assists, Diomande helped his team finish third and return to the Champions League. His skill in one-on-one situations makes him a dangerous attacking threat. As a result, he has been linked with big money moves to the likes of Liverpool and Chelsea. What many people don't realize is that Diomande's success at such a young age is a testament to the growing strength of African football. I predict he will be a key player for Ivory Coast, and his performances could attract the attention of top European clubs.
Ronwen Williams: South Africa's Captain and Hero
South Africa are back at the finals for the first time since hosting in 2010, and their hopes rest on the strong core of players from the dominant club side Mamelodi Sundowns, led by goalkeeper and captain Ronwen Williams. Known for his penalty-saving heroics, Williams stopped four spot kicks in a shootout against Cape Verde in the Afcon 2023 quarter-finals. With a wealth of big-game experience, having just clinched the African Champions League title with Sundowns, Williams is a key figure for South Africa. If you take a step back and think about it, his leadership and experience could be the difference between an early exit and a deep run in the tournament.
Roberto 'Pico' Lopes: Cape Verde's Defensive Leader
Cape Verde, the tiny Atlantic Ocean archipelago, reached the last eight at Afcon 2023 and qualified for this year's World Cup. At the heart of their team is Roberto 'Pico' Lopes, a center-back who has been a key component in their remarkable few years. Lopes, who was initially approached to play for the Blues Sharks via LinkedIn, has been a rock at the back for Cape Verde. With experience and leadership, he could prove a big factor for Cape Verde in Group H, where they face former winners Spain and Uruguay as well as Saudi Arabia. What this really suggests is that Cape Verde could be a dark horse in the tournament, and Lopes will be a key reason for their success.
Brahim Diaz: Morocco's Playmaker
Brahim Diaz, the Real Madrid playmaker, was the star for Morocco at Afcon 2025, scoring five goals as the hosts reached the final. However, he has some making up to do after his missed penalty against Senegal in the final. With the Atlas Lions facing record five-time winners Brazil in their Group C opener, Diaz will be looking to atone for his mistake and lead Morocco to success. From my perspective, his performance at the World Cup could be a defining moment in his career, and his ability to step up under pressure will be crucial for Morocco's chances.
Ismaila Sarr: Senegal's Goal-Scoring Machine
Ismaila Sarr, the 28-year-old forward, is in fine form with a career-high 21 strikes for Crystal Palace this season. With nine of those coming in the UEFA Conference League, helping the Eagles to claim their first-ever European trophy, Sarr is gearing up for his third successive World Cup. The Teranga Lions, who can at least call themselves the reigning African champions on the pitch, face two-time champions France, Erling Haaland's Norway, and Iraq in Group I. What makes this particularly fascinating is how Sarr's club form could translate onto the international stage, and his performances could be the difference between an early exit and a deep run in the tournament.
Omar Marmoush: Egypt's $79.5m Forward
Omar Marmoush, the 27-year-old forward who joined Manchester City from Eintracht Frankfurt in January last year for $79.5 million, has had a mixed season with the Premier League giants. However, he is among the first names on Egypt's teamsheet. With captain Mohamed Salah only recently back from injury after an underwhelming season with Liverpool, coach Hossam Hassan will expect Marmoush to deliver. The Pharaohs, the first African nation to take part in the World Cup, are still waiting to win a game at the World Cup. What many people don't realize is that Marmoush's performance at the World Cup could be a turning point for Egypt, and his ability to step up under pressure will be crucial for their chances.
