Football · Regional team guide
World Cup 2026 Africa: Teams and Player Guide
Explore the 10 CAF participants at the FIFA World Cup 2026. This guide pairs each national team with one selected squad member and provides a practical way to begin watching their football.
Ten different national stories
Cabo Verde’s first appearance is one of the regional stories highlighted by FIFA’s squad announcement. It belongs alongside nine other African participants in this directory. A confederation label is a way to organise the list, not a claim that these sides share one identity or playing style.
Start by comparing positions rather than reputation. An attacking player, a central midfielder and a goalkeeper offer very different windows into how a team works.
Teams and selected players
| Team | Selected player | Position |
|---|---|---|
| Algeria | Riyad Mahrez | Forward |
| Cabo Verde | Ryan Mendes | Forward |
| Congo DR | Cédric Bakambu | Forward |
| Côte d’Ivoire | Franck Kessié | Midfielder |
| Egypt | Mohamed Salah | Forward |
| Ghana | Jordan Ayew | Forward |
| Morocco | Achraf Hakimi | Defender |
| Senegal | Sadio Mané | Forward |
| South Africa | Ronwen Williams | Goalkeeper |
| Tunisia | Ellyes Skhiri | Midfielder |
Positions follow the broad categories in FIFA’s squad list. These are editorial selections, not official “best player” awards or a claim that every player appeared in every match.
Give goalkeepers and defenders a place in the discussion
Football conversations can become lists of scorers. This selection also includes a goalkeeper and a defender, inviting a wider view of performance. Watch defensive communication, protection of space and the decisions that prevent a chance before it becomes a shot. Those actions rarely fit into a goals-only comparison.
Continue exploring
Return to the complete 48-team directory to compare regions, or read the tournament guide for the format and official awards. When reviewing a match, distinguish a confirmed event from your interpretation and explain which moment led you to that view.