Advertisement
Vozinha and other top African performers in 2026 World Cup so far
27th June, 2026 02:55 PM
17 days since the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off across the United States, Mexico, and Canada. There have been thrilling match-ups with surprise heroes emerging from the games.
While the tournament is far from over, several African stars have already made their mark on the global stage, steering their countries out of the group phase with performances showcasing their potential as future stars to watch.
Ismael Saibari (Morocco)
Morocco continues to rewrite football history for the continent. Midfielder Ismael Saibari has been at the centre of the Atlas Lions’ excellent form and subsequent qualification to the round of 32.
The PSV Eindhoven star wrote his name into continental history by becoming the first-ever African player to score in all three group games at a single World Cup tournament.
To put this feat into perspective, global icons Wayne Rooney and Zlatan Ibrahimovic scored fewer World Cup goals throughout their entire careers despite appearing in multiple tournaments. Saibari made history by scoring in his very first FIFA World Cup appearance. Furthermore, he is now just one goal shy of Roger Milla’s legendary continental record of four goals at a single World Cup.
Ayyoub Bouaddi (Morocco)
The 18-year-old Lille midfielder has been a revelation, proving he has an incredibly high ceiling. Bouaddi starred in Morocco’s group opener against Brazil, covering every blade of grass to earn a crucial 1-1 draw.
His brilliance and ball-playing acumen stood out as he inspired Morocco to advance as one of the most potent African sides in tournament history following their final group victory over Haiti. Bouaddi’s impressive profile has already attracted interest from top European clubs circling for his signature.
Ibrahim Mbaye (Senegal)
The Paris Saint-Germain ace also made history at the 2026 World Cup by becoming Africa’s youngest scorer in tournament history and the fourth-youngest goalscorer overall.
Drafted into Pape Thiaw’s side, Mbaye took less than a minute to score against powerhouse France in their Group I opener. Though the Teranga Lions ultimately fell to a 3-1 defeat in that fixture, Mbaye’s lightning-fast impact announced a major new talent.
Iconic goalkeeping displays: Vozinha and Benjamin Asare
Cape Verde’s veteran keeper Vozinha (Josimar José Évora Dias) and Ghana’s Benjamin Asare have both caught the world’s attention with spirited performances in goal.
Vozinha came clutch for his island nation of just 500,000 citizens. He delivered a stunning, eight-save Player of the Match performance in a 0-0 draw against Spain, guiding the World Cup debutants to the knockout stages undefeated.
After his heroics against Saudi Arabia on Saturday, June 27, 2026, he became the third goalkeeper to record multiple FIFA World Cup clean sheets after turning 40 years old, joining Peter Shilton (3) and Dino Zoff (2).
Meanwhile, Hearts of Oak shot-stopper Benjamin Asare, the sole domestic-based star in Ghana’s squad, fully justified his selection. Asare kept a vital clean sheet in a win over Panama and followed it up with a memorable performance on Tuesday, June 23, denying England’s Premier League superstars to secure a famous result.
Others who have had eye-catching performances include Nicolas Pépé and Ismaïla Sarr of Senegal, both of whom have two goals in the tournament so far.
