Top African stars ready to shine at World Cup 2026

Ten African teams will compete in the expanded 2026 World Cup, with standout players aiming for glory.

Ghana's Semenyo eyes big stage London-born forward Antoine Semenyo will feature at his second World Cup with Ghana after his late FA Cup winner for Manchester City against Chelsea. The 26-year-old has enjoyed his best league scoring season with seven goals since joining the club in January. Semenyo may carry Ghana’s hopes after Tottenham’s Mohammed Kudus misses the tournament through injury. The Black Stars, absent from the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, face England, Croatia and Panama in Group L. ## Ivory Coast's rising star Diomande Yan Diomande, the 19-year-old Ivory Coast sensation, claimed the German Bundesliga Rookie of the Season award for his 12 goals and eight assists that helped RB Leipzig finish third. His dribbling and duel success rates topped the league this season, drawing interest from top European clubs. Diomande started four of five games at Afcon 2025 and will face Germany, Ecuador and Curaçao in Group E. His one-on-one skills make him a constant threat to defenders. ## South Africa's Williams leads Bafana charge Ronwen Williams, South Africa’s goalkeeper and captain, will lead his nation in their first World Cup since 2010. The 34-year-old rose to fame for saving four penalties in Afcon 2023 as Mamelodi Sundowns beat Cape Verde. Williams, who calls the captaincy a personal honor, just won the African Champions League with Sundowns. South Africa open against co-hosts Mexico on June 11 before facing Czech Republic and South Korea. ## Cape Verde's defensive rock Lopes Roberto ‘Pico’ Lopes has been instrumental as Cape Verde qualifies for its first-ever World Cup. The 33-year-old Shamrock Rovers defender nearly ignored a LinkedIn message for the national team because it was in Portuguese. Cape Verde, which reached the Afcon 2023 quarter-finals, now faces Spain, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia in Group H. Lopes’ leadership at the back could prove crucial in their maiden campaign. ## Morocco's Diaz seeks redemption Brahim Diaz, the Real Madrid playmaker, aims to redeem himself at the World Cup after a penalty miss in Afcon 2025’s final shootout. The 26-year-old, who scored five goals in the tournament, saw his Panenka effort saved by Senegal’s Edouard Mendy. Diaz was subbed off in extra time as Morocco lost 1-0, but the result was later awarded to Morocco on appeal. The Atlas Lions face Brazil, Scotland and Haiti in Group C. ## Senegal's Sarr targets third World Cup run Ismaila Sarr has enjoyed his most prolific club season with 21 goals for Crystal Palace, including nine in the UEFA Conference League. The 28-year-old will make his third World Cup appearance after Senegal’s group-stage exit in 2018 and last-16 loss to England in 2022. Senegal, current African champions, will face France, Norway and Iraq in Group I. Sarr hopes to replicate his club success on the global stage after Senegal’s historic 2002 upset of World Cup holders France. ## Egypt's Marmoush looks to shine Omar Marmoush, despite a challenging start at Manchester City, remains a key option for Egypt’s World Cup squad. The 27-year-old forward, who joined City from Eintracht Frankfurt for $79.5m, helped win the League Cup and FA Cup this season. Marmoush scored twice at Afcon 2025 as Egypt finished fourth, and he aims to build on that progress. Egypt, seven-time African champions, seek their first World Cup win since 1934.