With the World Cup now in its final week and African representation at an end, it is time to reflect on who the best players from the continent were at the 48-team tournament in Canada, Mexico and the US.
There were 260 players in the colours of the 10 African teams – not all played, of course – but a wide array of talent showcased much of what the continent can offer.
This is SuperSport.com's selection of the best five overall and then the best player for each of the African countries:
5) Ismael Saibari: Scored the winning penalty in Morocco’s round-of-32 triumph over the Netherlands but then got injured early in the next match against Canada. Scored three goals in as many group-stage games and had his move from PSV Eindhoven to Bayern Munich confirmed during the World Cup.
4) Vozinha: The 40-year-old Cape Verde goalkeeper had a brilliant tournament, becoming an internet sensation and getting a massive tribute from Lionel Messi, who came up to him after their last-32 game to hand him his shirt. He is now being linked with a move to a club in Brazil.
3) Emam Ashour: The top performer for Egypt who had their best World Cup tournament, scoring twice and proving full of running with his usual high work rate. It will be interesting to see if the 28-year-old is lured away from Al Ahly to sign for a European club. He was unfortunately injured and had to go off at halftime of the disputed game against Argentina.
2) Ayyoub Bouaddi: The 18-year-old midfielder burst onto the scene, starting against Brazil and Scotland in Morocco’s opening two games, with his hard running and relentless work rate. He was rested for the last group game but back for knockout games against the Netherlands, Canada and France.
1) Achraf Hakimi: The slick engine of Morocco’s run to a second successive quarterfinal and will probably retain his African Footballer of the Year trophy at the end of the year based on his World Cup performance. His attacking play was particularly outstanding, but defensively he also had his moments in the tournament.
These are the best players for the other seven countries:
Algeria: Riyad Mahrez’s two goals in the key last group match against Austria put ‘Les Fennecs’ into the knockout round. The former African Footballer of the Year retired from the national team after the tournament.
DR Congo: DR Congo’s elimination at the hands of England was not unexpected, but they did come close to an upset in Atlanta. The English-born right back Aaron Wan-Bissaka was the best of the Congolese at the tournament and is a player who might yet offer them a chance to win a Cup of Nations title.
Ghana: Hard-working midfielder Caleb Yirenkyi got due reward for his efforts with the late winner in the Black Stars’ first game against Panama and went on to shine in all four of their matches. Not bad for a 20-year-old, likely to move from his Danish club in the next few weeks.
Ivory Coast: It was something of a surprise that the 23-year-old Amad Diallo was taken off at halftime for the Ivory Coast when they beat Curaçao in their last group game to ensure their place in the last 32 and then left on the bench against Norway. But he came on to demonstrate his skills with a superb individual goal.
Senegal: Ismailia Sarr equalled Roger Milla’s record of four goals in a single tournament by an African player, which was set at the 1990 World Cup in Italy. Sarr’s effort in front eclipsed that of any of his teammates, who largely had a disappointing tournament.
South Africa: It came as no surprise to see Mbekezeli Mbokazi emerge as the best performer for Bafana Bafana at the World Cup, saving the team on multiple occasions with his committed defending. Those international observers who had not heard of him before quickly sat up and took notice, and the 20-year-old got some rave reviews.
--------------------------------
Where to watch the FIFA World Cup 2026™
Fans can watch every FIFA World Cup 2026™ match live on DStv Premium, Compact Plus, Compact, Family and Access. All matches are also available to stream on supported packages, ensuring flexible viewing options wherever you are.
How to stream the FIFA World Cup 2026™
With DStv Stream, you can follow every match anytime, anywhere. Download the app and enjoy seamless live streaming on the go.