The 2026 FIFA World Cup is set to kickoff on June 11 and it promises to be a historic tournament, as the tournament will be hosted across three countries for the first time in history. Africa will also have a record nine teams competing for the first time ever, giving them the opportunity to make a bigger impact than in previous tournaments.
While some familiar stars return to football’s biggest stage, a number of new faces are also preparing for their first appearance and will be hoping to make their mark in the tournament.
In this article, we take a look at five African players who are set to make their debut at the World Cup this summer.
Yan Diomande (Ivory Coast)
Ivory Coast forward Yan Diomande is one of the most-sought after young forwards in world football at the moment and it is no surprise he tops this list as he is set to make his debut with the Elephants at the World Cup later in the summer.
Diomande made his international debut in 2025 and will be hoping to continue his fine form this season for RB Leipzig into the World Cup, which would further boost his market value.
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Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast)
Manchester United forward Amad Diallo played a key role in Ivory Coast’s qualification campaign and is now set to make his debut at the World Cup when the tournament kicks off in the summer.
The 23-year-old enjoyed an impressive outing at the 2025 African Cup of Nations tournament where he scored three times for Ivory Coast and will be hoping for another good outing at a major tournament as the Elephants compete in group E alongside Germany, Ecuador and minnows Curacao.
Ibrahim Mbaye (Senegal)
Paris Saint-Germain teenage sensation Ibrahim Mbaye will be hoping to make history with Senegal at the 2026 World Cup tournament in the summer.
The 18-year-old made his senior international debut for the Lions of Teranga in November 2025 and was a key part of the team that won a second continental trophy at the 2025 African Cup of Nations tournament.
Mbaye will be hoping to make another major statement for Senegal in group I of the World Cup against France, Norway and the winner of the playoffs between Iraq, Bolivia or Suriname.
Lamine Camara (Senegal)
Closely following his Senegalese teammate Mbaye on this list is midfielder Lamine Camara, who plies his trade with French club AS Monaco.
The 22-year-old has attracted interest from several European heavyweights with his impressive performances and could even earn a huge transfer after the World Cup, where he will be hoping to impress in his first tournament.
Caleb Yirenkyi (Ghana)
Ghanaian youngster Caleb Yirenkyi rounds off the list, with the 20-year-old pushing for a key role as he aims to secure a place in Ghana’s squad for the upcoming World Cup.
The midfielder, who has drawn comparisons to legend Michael Essien, made his debut in 2025 against Nigeria in a Unity Cup clash.
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He will be hoping to play his part as the Black Stars look to navigate a tough Group L that includes England, Croatia, and Panama.
