The 2026 FIFA World Cup got underway at the Estadio Azteca in Mexico on June 11, with 48 nations competing for the chance to dethrone defending champions Argentina and lift the most prestigious trophy in world football, with the tournament jointly hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Several African nations are also taking part, hoping to make history and potentially deliver the continent’s first World Cup title. Meanwhile, a number of African stars will be aiming to produce standout performances and put themselves in contention for the Golden Ball, which is awarded to the tournament’s best player.
Here are five African players who could emerge as candidates for the prestigious award.
Mohamed Salah (Egypt)
Egypt captain Mohamed Salah heads into what could be his final World Cup campaign and will be hoping to guide the Pharaohs beyond the group stage for the first time since 1934.
The 34-year-old endured a difficult season by his usual standards at Liverpool but made a positive start to the tournament, registering an assist in Egypt’s 1-1 draw with Belgium.
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Salah will be back in action on June 22 against New Zealand before Egypt conclude their group-stage campaign against Iran on June 27. If he can inspire the Pharaohs to a deep run, he would enter the conversation for the best player award.
Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)
African Footballer of the Year Achraf Hakimi is another strong contender for the 2026 World Cup Golden Ball.
The Paris Saint-Germain right-back played a key role in Morocco’s historic run to the semifinals in 2022 and will be hoping to lead the Atlas Lions to another memorable campaign.
Hakimi delivered an impressive performance in Morocco’s opening 1-1 draw against Brazil, largely keeping Vinícius Júnior quiet while also providing his usual attacking threat down the right flank. He will be in action again when Morocco face Scotland as they chase their first victory of the tournament.
Yan Diomande (Ivory Coast)
Highly rated teenage sensation Yan Diomande is one of the breakout stars to watch at this World Cup and will be eager to help Ivory Coast advance beyond the group stage for the first time in their history.
The RB Leipzig winger has already attracted significant transfer interest, and the World Cup presents another opportunity to showcase his talent on football’s biggest stage.
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Diomande was outstanding in Ivory Coast’s opening 1-0 victory over Ecuador, tormenting defender Piero Hincapie and earning the Player of the Match award. More performances like that could see him emerge as a serious Golden Ball contender.
Amad Diallo (Ivory Coast)
Manchester United winger Amad Diallo is the second Ivorian player on this list and another African star with the potential to challenge for the tournament’s top individual honour.
The 23-year-old scored the decisive goal in Ivory Coast’s 1-0 win over Ecuador to kick off their campaign on a winning note.
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Amad has consistently demonstrated his quality for club and country, and if he can build on his match-winning display against Ecuador, he could find himself among the leading candidates for the Golden Ball.
Sadio Mane (Senegal)
Completing the list is Al Nassr forward Sadio Mane, who was named Player of the Tournament at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and remains capable of delivering on the biggest stages.
The former Liverpool star will be looking to inspire Senegal to another memorable World Cup campaign.
However, the Lions of Teranga must first recover from their opening defeat to France when they face Norway in their next match. If Mane can lead Senegal on a deep run through the tournament, he could once again establish himself among the leading contenders for one of football’s most prestigious individual awards.
