World Cup 2026: Egypt and Morocco stars dominate team of breakthrough stars

Egypt and Morocco have dominated an assessment by French newspaper L’Équipe of the biggest breakthrough performers at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with six players from the two African nations selected among the tournament’s surprise packages.

The newspaper used a single selection criterion, focusing on players who were relatively unknown to the average follower of Europe’s major leagues before the tournament began.

Despite Egypt’s elimination in the Round of 16 following a 3-2 defeat by Argentina, four Pharaohs players earned places in the list, while Morocco, Africa’s sole remaining representatives, saw two forwards recognised ahead of Thursday’s quarter-final against France.

Egypt rewarded despite last-16 exit

In goal, Egypt’s Mostafa Shobeir was included alongside Norway’s Orjan Nyland, Cape Verde goalkeeper Fouzinha, Curaçao’s Eloi Room and Japan’s Zion Suzuki.

L’Équipe praised Nyland in particular for his performances against Brazil and Ivory Coast, highlighting his penalty save from Bruno Guimaraes and his role in Norway’s historic progress.

Defender Yasser Ibrahim also represented Egypt after impressing at the heart of the defence and scoring against Argentina in the Round of 16.

In attacking midfield, Emam Ashour and Haitham Hassan were both selected following their performances during Egypt’s World Cup campaign.

Morocco forwards recognised

Morocco contributed two names to the list in attacking positions.

Ismael Saibari was chosen as the standout discovery at centre-forward after scoring in every group-stage match and adapting successfully to a new attacking role for the Atlas Lions.

Soufiane Rahimi also earned recognition among the tournament’s emerging forwards, underlining Morocco’s impressive attacking displays on their run to the quarter-finals.

Talent from across the globe

Elsewhere, L’Équipe highlighted several other players who have caught the eye during the tournament.

Among the defenders selected were Cape Verde left-back Sidney Cabral, Belgium’s Brandon Michel and Paraguay’s Matias Galarza.

The midfield shortlist featured Belgium’s Nicolas Raskin, Colombia’s Gustavo Puerta, Germany’s Felix Nmecha, Ivory Coast’s Christ Enao Olay, the United States’ Malik Tillman, Ecuador’s Pedro Vite, England’s Elliott Anderson and Mexico’s Gilberto Mora.

In attacking midfield, the newspaper recognised Ivory Coast’s Yann Diomande, Switzerland’s Johan Manzambi, Mexico’s Julian Quiñones, DR Congo’s Brian Sibinga, Brazil’s Ryan, Ecuador’s John Yeboah, Croatia’s Martin Baturina, the Netherlands’ Crescencio Sommerwijk, Norway’s Andreas Schjelderup and Mexico’s Roberto Alvarado.

Alongside Saibari and Rahimi in the forward line were Germany’s Deniz Undav, Australia’s Nestor Irankunda and New Zealand’s Elijah Just.

The selections underline the impact African players have made at this year’s World Cup, with Egypt’s individual performances and Morocco’s continued progress earning recognition despite the fierce competition on football’s biggest stage.