Binationality: Choosing Africa three months before the World Cup, opportunism or choice of heart?
It’s the question that is on every mind. Three months before the 2026 World Cup, several binationals jostle at the gates and opt for African selections. Is it opportunism or a true choice of the heart?
Philemon MBALE · Author profile ·
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The World Cup is the flagship competition in the world of football. It’s a tournament that makes all players dream. And some binationals have finally decided to play for either Ivory Coast, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal or one among the other qualified African nations. Timing is a real problem.
Opportunism detected in some players
Having been reluctant for a long time, and as by a miracle, some binational players make the choice to play for national selections. This three months before the start of the 2026 World Cup. Are they aiming at the World Cup? The question remains relevant.
In 2022 and at 18 years old, Elye Wahi made a statement that has never gone unnoticed:
"Ivory Coast to be excluded? For now, it’s France above all, but I’m not closing any doors. We’ll see how my career goes and make the right choices''
After a long time of trailing and experiencing a slowdown in his progress, despite a return to form at OGC Nice, the young striker finally opts for the Elephants. He is part of the Ivorian selection list for the international break in March.
Born in France from a Togolese father and a Ghanaian mother, Marvin Senaya had the possibility to choose between the Blues, the Eperviers and the Black Stars. After long reflection and despite several contacts with the Togolese Football Federation, the right-back of AJ Auxerre chose Ghana. The Ghanaian selection will participate in the 2026 World Cup and Togo is in constant reconstruction. The timing would not be trivial.
Malang Sarr has regained his verve with RC Lens. At 27 years old, the central defender greatly opens the door to the Lions in a release in February 2026:
"I want to play for Senegal."
Yet 7 years ago, the native of Nice did not have the Senegalese selection as a priority and was uncertain about his international future:
"At 19, I didn’t necessarily think about it, for now I let things happen... Afterwards, we don’t know what the future holds for us."
he had said on RMC Sport. Lack of luck for him, Pape Thiaw did not include him in his list for the friendly matches against Peru and Gambia.
A choice of the heart among some binationals
If some made their choice due to the 2026 World Cup, others had to make very selfless choices. They agreed very early to join the African selections despite the interest of the European federations. That’s a choice from the heart. There have been many examples in recent years. They were convinced by the project presented to them.
At 17 years old, Ibrahim Mbaye chose Senegal. Although he has a radiant future in football and the possibility of joining the French team in the coming years, the PSG player has decided to represent Senegal. He made his debut on November 15, 2025, scoring 2 goals and 4 assists in 8 games with the AFCON 2025 won.
The same thing for Assane Diao. Wanted by Spain and Senegal, the left wing of Como opted for the Senegalese selection. He is considered the ideal successor to Sadio Mané. The gem of the Serie A club played her first match with the Lions on March 22, 2025. Hindered by physical difficulties, the 20-year-old player has only played 2 games and did not participate in the AFCON 2025.
At 24 years old, Neil Aynaoui has become a real manager in the midfield of the Moroccan team. On September 5, 2025, he made his debut with the Atlas Lions and has already played 13 games. In Morocco, the AS Roma player was impressive in the match. The former member of RC Lens was born in Nancy, France.
If his brother Désiré Doué opted for the French team, Guéla Doué chose Ivory Coast. On March 23, 2024, the right-back from Strasbourg made his first appearance under the colors of the Elephants during a friendly match against Uruguay. Author of an exceptional AFCON 2025, the native of Angers played 17 games for 2 goals and one assist with the Ivorian team.
Brahim Diaz joined Morocco despite the offensives of Spain. The Real Madrid attacking midfielder played his first match with the Atlas Lions on March 22, 2024. He has a record of 22 games, 13 goals and 2 assists. He will be one of the major offensive assets of the Moroccan team at the 2026 World Cup.