Africa prominently featured on official 2026 World Cup poster

The official poster for the 2026 World Cup highlights African football as the tournament prepares to expand to 48 teams across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

FIFA’s artwork, designed to celebrate the diversity of world football, positions the trophy at its centre, surrounded by iconic players representing every continent.

The image captures both the intensity of experienced stars and the excitement of emerging talent, reflecting the global reach of the competition.

African players are prominently featured, underscoring the continent’s growing impact on the international stage.

Senegalese captain Sadio Mané is immediately recognisable in the poster, his jubilant expression embodying the passion of the Lions of Teranga.

Moroccan defender Achraf Hakimi also appears, representing Morocco, who reached the semi-finals of the previous World Cup.

Alongside him is Mohamed Salah, a symbol of Egypt’s ambition to make a mark in North America.

Ghana’s Jordan Ayew is shown in full, wearing his captain’s armband, signalling his leadership role for the Black Stars and the expectations surrounding his nation in the upcoming tournament.

The poster also features other African talents from nations that have qualified or are competing for a spot, highlighting the continent’s nine guaranteed places plus one via playoffs.

FIFA’s design reinforces Africa’s integral role in what promises to be the largest and most diverse World Cup in history.

As the tournament approaches, the visual tribute serves both as recognition of African football’s growth and a celebration of the continent’s stars poised to make history on the global stage.