AFCON 2025
The 2026 FIFA World Cup will showcase a handful of superstars including those from Africa some.of which would likely bid farewell to international football this summer.
Africa parades some of the finest superstars as they hope to make the continent proud in the expanded version of of the tournament.
Over the years, African legends like Didier Drogba, Asamoah Gyan, Ahmed Musa, Roger Miller, Papa Bouba Diop among others have made the continent proud with their contributions in the mundial.
This time, the likes of Achraf Hakimi, Brahim Diaz, Antoine Semenyo will be looking to replicate what their predecessors have done while Sadio Mane and Mohammed Salah will hope to bow out on a high.
This posts examines what to expect from five African top players at the World Cup this summer.
5 African Stars to look forward to at the 2026 World cup.
- Achraf Hakimi (Morocco, PSG)
The reigning African Footballer of the Year and Morocco captain is unarguably world’s best right-backs (or attacking full-backs). Hakimi’s explosive pace, overlapping runs, defensive solidity, and leadership make him a standout. Morocco aims to build on their 2022 semi-final heroics, and Hakimi will be central to that. The former Real Madrid and Inter Milan defender brings leadership on and off the pitch and will hope to lead the Lions beyond their semi-final heroics four years ago.
- Mohamed Salah (Egypt)
One of Africa’s all-time greats and Egypt’s talisman. This is likely to be Salah’s last World Cup appearance but he remains a formidable goal-scoring machine with elite dribbling and work rate, even at 34. Egypt will rely heavily on him and Manchester City’s Omar Marmous to secure World Cup wins and progress deep into tournament.
- Brahim Díaz (Morocco, Real Madrid)
A breakout star for Morocco, especially after shining at AFCON 2025 with five goals. He is a versatile attacking midfielder/winger with creativity, technique, vision, and finishing. His club pedigree at Real Madrid adds quality, and he could be the creative spark for the Atlas Lions’ attack.
- Sadio Mané (Senegal)
A Senegal legend and leader at 34. Sadio Mane remians influential with pace, finishing, and leadership. Senegal boasts a strong squad (with players like Kalidou Koulibaly and top talents like Sarr, Mbaye, Diarra, N’Diaye, and Mané remains the focal point capable of delivering in key moments.
- Antoine Semenyo (Ghana)
A rising force and one of the most in-form African forwards. The Manchester City forward is dynamic, powerful, and clinical in front of goal. Ghana will look up to him for goals and energy as they aim to advance from the group stage.
Other strong contenders: Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast/Manchester United – flair and potential), Yan Diomande (Ivory Coast – young talent), Riyad Mahrez (Algeria – veteran creativity), Ismaïla Sarr (Senegal – in strong club form), Lyle Foster (South Africa), and Ronwen Williams (South Africa – reliable keeper), Ibrahim Maza (Algeria/Bayer Leverkusen – young, fast and a formidable goal threat.)
