The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be remembered as the tournament of iconic send-offs. Mohamed Salah plays what could be his final World Cup. Cristiano Ronaldo makes a record sixth appearance. Kylian Mbappé finally has the squad to match his ambition. But beyond the superstars, this tournament belongs to Africa.

Nine African nations qualify in 2026, the largest contingent in World Cup history. Morocco arrive as 2022 semi-finalists and genuine contenders to go even deeper. Senegal have one of the most technically gifted squads on the continent, built around Nicolas Jackson and Pape Matar Sarr. Nigeria's Super Eagles return with a forward line of pure Premier League firepower.

But the African story at this World Cup is also in the diaspora players: Kylian Mbappé - Cameroonian and Algerian heritage. Michael Olise - French-Nigerian. Amad Diallo - Ivorian. The definition of African football now stretches across continents, and the 2026 World Cup will celebrate every dimension of it.