The 2026 FIFA World Cup got underway on Thursday, with co-hosts Mexico beating one of Africa’s 10 representatives, South Africa, 2-0 in an opening match that produced three red cards.
As the tournament goes on, several African stars will be hoping to make their mark on football’s biggest stage and a number of them have the quality to lead their nations deep into the competition, while also challenging for the prestigious Golden Boot award.
Here are five African players who could finish as the top scorer at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Brahim Diaz (Morocco)
Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz is set to make his FIFA World Cup debut for Morocco and will be one of the African stars to watch at the tournament. The 26-year-old has been in outstanding form for the Atlas Lions since switching his international allegiance in 2024.
Diaz boasts an impressive record of 14 goals in 26 appearances for Morocco and also finished as the top scorer at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.
With favourable Group C fixtures against Haiti and Scotland, he could add to his tally and emerge as a serious contender for the Golden Boot.
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Omar Marmoush (Egypt)
Omar Marmoush will carry much of Egypt’s goalscoring burden at the World Cup, especially with Mohamed Salah struggling for form heading into the tournament. The Manchester City attacker endured a disappointing club campaign but will be eager to put that behind him with a strong showing on football’s biggest stage.
Egypt open their campaign against Belgium on Monday before facing New Zealand and Iran in their remaining group matches.
Their hopes of reaching the knockout stages could depend heavily on Marmoush rediscovering his scoring touch.
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Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast)
Ivory Coast forward Amad Diallo is another African player with the potential to challenge for the World Cup Golden Boot. While the Manchester United star failed to consistently deliver at club level, he has been a key figure for the Elephants in recent international competitions.
Amad had a hand in most of Ivory Coast’s goals during the 2025 AFCON and could benefit from a promising partnership with highly rated youngster Yan Diomande.
If that combination clicks, the 23-year-old could find himself among the tournament’s leading scorers. The Elephants will begin their campaign against Ecuador before taking on Germany and Curaçao in Group F.
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Antoine Semenyo (Ghana)
Antoine Semenyo heads into the World Cup on the back of the most productive season of his career. The Ghanaian forward scored 21 goals across all competitions and continued his fine form following his January move to Manchester City from Bournemouth.
The Black Stars will look to Semenyo to lead the line as they hope for a deep run in the competition. Ghana begin their campaign against Panama before facing England and Croatia in a challenging Group L.
If Semenyo can maintain his club form, he could emerge as one of the tournament’s standout performers.
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Ismaila Sarr (Senegal)
Senegal winger Ismaila Sarr will be hoping to carry his excellent club form to the international stage at the World Cup.
The Crystal Palace star scored nine goals during the club’s successful UEFA Conference League campaign, more than any other player in the competition and ended the season with 21 goals across all competitions, which was also the best return of his career.
The 28-year-old will be expected to lead Senegal’s attack alongside Sadio Mane as they take on two-time world champions France in their opening match, before further group-stage clashes against Norway and Iraq.
