Yan Diomande (Ivory Coast)

Age: 19

Club: RB Leipzig (Germany)

Position: Forward / Winger

Diomande is arguably the most talked-about teenager heading into the tournament following a spectacular Bundesliga campaign.

He claimed the Bundesliga Rookie of the Season award, racking up 12 goals and 8 assists to help fire Leipzig to a third-place finish. Known for his fearless direct running, he led the German top-flight in dribbles attempted and duels won, making him an absolute nightmare for defenders in one-on-one situations.

He is fully fit and ready to be the dynamic spark plug for an incredibly talented Elephants side making their highly anticipated return to the global stage.

Oumar Diakite (Ivory Coast)

Age: 22

Club: Cercle Brugge (Belgium) / Stade de Reims (France)

Position: Forward / Winger

Officially named to Emerse Fae’s final squad, Diakite brings an explosive combination of physical power and deceptive pace to the Ivorian frontline.

Nicknamed "The Nomad" for his tireless, relentless work rate, he constantly stretches opposition backlines by running the channels and pressing high up the pitch.

He has been a consistent offensive threat during the gruelling qualification process and gives the Ivorian attack a dangerous, versatile option who can play effectively across any position in the front three.

Eliesse Ben Seghir (Morocco)

Age: 21

Club: Bayer Leverkusen (Germany)

Position: Left Winger / Attacking Midfielder

Considered by many to be the jewel of Morocco’s next generation, Ben Seghir enjoyed a highly successful season operating under Xabi Alonso at Bayer Leverkusen.

Though he faced a brief ankle injury setback during the winter club season, he returned to full match fitness in time for the domestic run-in and is fully sharp for the tournament.

His elite close control, flair, and capability to unlock rigid, compact defences give the Atlas Lions a premium creative outlet as they look to build on their historic 2022 run.

Ayyoub Bouaddi (Morocco)

Age: 18

Club: Lille (France)

Position: Midfielder

Morocco pulled off a massive international coup by convincing Bouaddi to pledge his allegiance to the Atlas Lions over France just ahead of the final roster submission.

Despite his teenage status, the Lille prodigy is widely regarded as one of Europe’s elite midfield prospects. Bouaddi possesses a level of tactical maturity, sweeping passing range, and ice-cool calmness under pressure that completely defies his age.

If he is given the keys to dictate the tempo from deep, he could easily become one of the grand revelations of the entire group stage.

Relebohile Mofokeng (South Africa)

Age: 21

Club: Orlando Pirates (South Africa)

Position: Attacking Midfielder / Winger

Mofokeng is the most electric domestic-based talent coming out of South Africa, enjoying a true breakthrough year ahead of Bafana Bafana's return to the world stage.

Possessing immense flair, technical trickery, and visionary passing, he turned into an absolute output machine during the 2025/26 season, easily surpassing 20 goal contributions across all competitions.

His ability to change the tempo of a match instantly makes him South Africa’s ultimate creative weapon in a tough group.

Five African stars ready to make their mark at the 2026 FIFA World Cup