Top African stars who will not feature at 2026 World Cup

With Nigeria and DR Congo set to battle for the two available spots in the 2026 FIFA World Cup play-offs on Sunday, several of Africa’s top stars will be absent from football’s biggest stage in North America.

On Thursday, both teams secured their places in the final of CAF’s World Cup qualifiers in Morocco. DR Congo edged past Cameroon with a dramatic 91st-minute goal from Chancel Mbemba, while Nigeria overcame Gabon 4-1 after extra time, powered by a brace from Victor Osimhen.

Cameroon’s exit ensures that Premier League pair Bryan Mbuemo and Carlos Baleba will miss the World Cup. Mbuemo, now Manchester United’s leading scorer this season with six goals across all competitions since his €75 million transfer from Brentford in July, will have to wait for another chance.

Baleba, regarded as one of the Premier League’s most promising young defensive midfielders and a reported target for United in the last transfer window, also misses out due to his nation’s failure to qualify.

Gabon’s defeat denies fans the sight of Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang at the World Cup. The 36-year-old Olympique Marseille striker, the 2015 African Footballer of the Year, appears closer than ever to ending his professional career without a World Cup appearance.

Guinea’s failure to progress confirmed the absence of 2025 Ballon d’Or nominee Serhou Guirassy. The Borussia Dortmund forward has been one of Europe’s most prolific attackers in recent seasons, tallying 45 goals and 13 assists in 65 appearances, according to Transfermarkt.

As the play-off final approaches, the World Cup will proceed without some of Africa’s brightest talents, underscoring the high stakes and unpredictability of continental qualification.