2026 World Cup: these 5 African players who made their mark in the round of 32

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Lionel Mpasi, bravery to the very end

The DR Congo goalkeeper put England in doubt for a long time during this round of 16 match. With 5 saves, he kept the Leopards ahead on the scoreboard for nearly 70 minutes before Harry Kane intervened and scored a decisive brace. Despite the elimination, his performance will remain among the strongest ever delivered by an African goalkeeper in this competition.

Vozinha, an exit for the ages

At 40 years old, the Cape Verde goalkeeper left the world stage with his head held high. Against Argentina, the reigning world champion, the Blue Sharks pushed Lionel Messi’s teammates to extra time before falling 3-2. Vozinha made a string of decisive saves, 8 in total, capping off a memorable end to the World Cup for the oldest player in the tournament.

Sidny Lopes Cabral, a moment of grace

The Cape Verdean left wingback will forever be associated with one of the most beautiful goals of this tournament. Trailing 2-1 to Argentina, he stepped up to curl a right-footed shot under Emiliano Martinez’s crossbar, delivering one of the highlights of the competition for his team. A technical feat that propelled his name onto the international stage, despite his team’s elimination.

Issa Diop, Moroccan redemption

Long criticized for choosing Morocco after at first favoring France, the central defender responded in the best way possible. As the Netherlands led in the 91st minute, Issa Diop headed in a cross from Chemsdine Talbi to force extra time. The Atlas Lions then qualified via penalties, offering their defender a brilliant reconciliation with the Moroccan fans.

Mohamed Salah, class undiminished

Egypt made history by reaching the round of 16 at a World Cup for the first time, and Mohamed Salah played a major part in that. Held 1-1 by a combative Australian team, the Pharaohs had to go through a penalty shootout. Salah then converted a panenka with complete composure, a symbol of a career that continues to leave its mark on global tournaments.

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