Africa shines at the World Cup

Nine out of the 10 African nations qualified for the knockout rounds of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In those successes, Ligue 1 McDonald's and French-born players have played a major role.

The diasporic World Cup

Whilst Didier Deschamps could only name 26 players in France's World Cup squad, there are plenty of other players born within L'Héxagone playing at this summer's tournament, held in North America (USA, Canada, Mexico).

In total, there are 99 players born in France who are competing at the World Cup, which represents over 8% of the total number of players at the tournament and significantly more than any other nation. The Netherlands come in second place, with 67 players born in the country in action this summer.

Cape Verde, for example, are one of the success stories of the tournament so far, having progressed through to the knockouts on their maiden participation. Logan Costa, formerly of Toulouse, was born in France, for example, as was Steven Moreira.

First two goals ever in a World Cup and earned another point.
Historic for Cape Verde! 🦈🇨🇻 pic.twitter.com/G2fsLbZDNS
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) June 22, 2026

The likes of Guéla Doué, Ibrahim Mbaye, and Mamadou Sarr are all competing at this summer's tournament, and all have developed in Ligue 1 McDonald's. Whilst France - and its development of young players - has played a part in the success of other nations this summer, as have the clubs that comprise its top flight.

PSG's Achraf Hakimi, for example, has excelled, but arguably not as much as Lille's Ayyoub Bouaddi, who earned plaudits for his performance against Brazil in particular. He has looked excellent, sometimes alongside Strasbourg's Samir El Mourabet in the Morocco midfield, whilst Gessime Yassine has proven to be an excellent impact player.

Senegal, meanwhile, endured a tough start but progressed, in part thanks to the likes of Monaco's Lamine Camara and Lyon's Moussa Niakhaté, both important players for the African nation, as well as their respective teams in Ligue 1 McDonald's.

African excellence. 9 of 10 teams are through to the knockout stage 😍🔥 pic.twitter.com/QJPui7aA6K
— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) June 28, 2026

Ghana too have impressed, notably against England when Auxerre duo Marvin Senaya and Gideon Mensah excelled in defence, keeping a clean sheet and earning a crucial point.

The likes of Guéla Doué, brother of PSG forward Désiré, Nice loanee Elye Wahi, and Simon Adingra all played a role in the Ivory Coast's progression from the group stages, and Amine Gouiri, for example, chipped in for Algeria. The Marseille forward netted the winner in the crucial 2-1 win over Jordan.

Nine African teams are competing in the Round of 32, although one of them, South Africa, has already been eliminated at the hands of co-hosts Canada. 28% of the teams that are competing in this phase of the World Cup are from the continent of Africa, the highest percentage ever. It is a historic moment for the continent; Ligue 1 McDonald's and France are linked to it.

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