World Cup 2026: Vozinha, Bouaddi, Mbaye... Top 5 best African players of Matchday 1

5- Amad Diallo – Côte d’Ivoire

Yan Diomandé did tremendous work down his right flank and walked away with the MVP trophy for the match, but once again, it was Amad Diallo who delivered for Côte d’Ivoire. In a tightly contested match against Ecuador, which has a rock-solid defense, the Manchester United jewel, coming off the bench, scored the winning goal (1-0) for the Elephants to kick off their campaign in fine style.

4- Yoane Wissa – DR Congo

History will remember that Yoane Wissa is the very first goal scorer in DR Congo's World Cup history. For their big return to the World Cup, 52 years after their first appearance in 1974, the Leopards faced Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal head on. And although the Seleçao scored first, their advantage did not affect the morale of Sébastien Desabre's men, who equalized just before halftime (45+5) thanks to a header by Wissa. A goal for the ages.

3- Ibrahim Mbaye – Senegal

Senegal is a haven of peace for Ibrahim Mbaye. Words fail to describe the Parisian youth product who excels every time he dons the Lions’ shirt and once again made his mark for his first World Cup match. In a game where Nicolas Jackson and especially Ismaila Sarr greatly frustrated Senegalese fans with their lack of finishing, Ibrahim Mbaye came on in the 75^th minute to replace Sarr and scored in stoppage time (90+5) with a crisp shot during the defeat (1-3) against France. Yet another explosive entrance as he is known for with Senegal. That’s already his 4^th goal in 12 caps. Gem.

2- Ayyoub Bouaddi – Morocco

He was expected, and he delivered. Positioned in a double pivot with Neil Aynaoui, Ayyoub Bouaddi shouldered all the pressure, but also took center stage and guided the Atlas Lions. Against Brazil, the Lille player was simply monstrous in midfield. In ball progression as well as defensive phases, Bouaddi proved the FRMF right for bringing him in at just 18 years old, from his very first official match.

1-Vozinha – Cape Verde

Vozinha is number 1 in our ranking of the best African players from this opening round of the 2026 World Cup. The story couldn’t have been more beautiful for the 40-year-old goalkeeper, who produced a titanic performance against Spain with 7 saves, allowing the Blue Sharks to hold the Roja (0-0), one of the competition’s top favorites, to a draw. His majestic display, rewarded with a “Man of the Match” title, makes this first romance between Cape Verde and the World Cup even more special.