Vozinha (Cape Verde)
At 40 years old, this goalkeeper playing in Portugal’s second division (GD Chaves) has become one of the faces of the tournament. Against Spain, the reigning European champion, the Spaniards shot 27 times, including 7 on target, without ever getting past him, securing a historic draw (0-0). Cape Verde finished second in its group ahead of Uruguay and Saudi Arabia, conceding only two goals in three matches (2 clean sheets). A remarkable performance that qualifies the Blue Sharks for the round of 32, where they will face Argentina.
Emmanuel Agbadou (Côte d'Ivoire)
The Besiktas center-back was a key element in a particularly strong defensive pairing, helping Ivory Coast to an opening victory against Ecuador (1-0) and to hold out against Germany. Côte d'Ivoire, back at the World Cup after twelve years away, is relying heavily on this defensive base to aim for the round of 16.
Ismail Saibari (Morocco)
The PSV Eindhoven attacking midfielder carried the Atlas Lions with three goals in the group stage. He scored the fastest goal in Morocco’s World Cup history, after just 71 seconds against Scotland. By then scoring against Haiti, he joined Youssef En-Nesyri as Morocco’s joint top World Cup scorer with three goals each, and in the process became the first African player ever to find the net in three consecutive matches of the same World Cup edition.
Yoane Wissa (DR Congo)
The Newcastle striker made history for his country. He became the very first Congolese footballer to score a goal in the World Cup, equalizing against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal (1-1). He confirmed his quality by netting a decisive brace (penalty and a goal in the 90+1st minute) in the last group match against Uzbekistan, sealing a historic qualification for the round of 32, where DR Congo will face England, something never seen before for the Leopards.
Ismaila Sarr (Senegal)
The Crystal Palace winger, coming off a standout club season (Conference League title, top scorer of the competition), exploded with the national team. With a brace against Norway and another goal against Iraq, he has taken his World Cup tally to 4 goals and becomes Senegal’s top scorer in tournament history, overtaking Pape Bouba Diop.
Five different journeys, one same symbol: a continent that is no longer content just to participate, but truly has an impact on this World Cup 2026.
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Oumar WANE
Rédacteur sportif
Passionné de sport depuis toujours, partage avec vous les dernières actualités et analyses du monde sportif.