African Players Likely Playing Last World Cup

As much as it is hard to say this but many of the continent’s biggest names who rose to prominence in 2014 and early 2020s, in this year’s tournament a number of them will be in their mid-to-late 30s.

For several prominent starter, this FIFA World Cup could or will be their last appearance on football’s biggest global stage.

While nothing is official, a combination of age, international workloads, and incoming team transitions signals an inevitable generational shift after the tournament.

Sadio Mané (Senegal)

Sadio Mané remains one of Africa’s most decisive attackers and a crucial player in Senegal’s national team.

Mane stated at the recent Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco that it was his last continental tournament.

The former Liverpool player is turning 34 this year, an age where many forwards begin to scale back international duty.

With him having already announced that he won’t play at the AFCON anymore it’s a not doubt that this will be his last world cup, even if he continues at club level.

For Senegal, it would likely mark the closing chapter of a golden attacking generation. Mane has already made 126 appearances for the Lions of Teranga with 52 goals providing 28 assists with two Afcon trophies so far.

Themba Zwane (South Africa)

Themba Zwane has been one of South Africa’s most consistent and technically gifted midfielders over the past decade. Known for his creativity, close control, and ability to unlock defences Mshishi has been of one the players good to watch in Africa.

Zwane, 36, has been a central figure for both club and country and this will be his first and last World Cup should coach Hugo Broos call him in Bafana Bafana.

Mohamed Salah (Egypt)

Mohamed Salah is regarded as one of the greatest African players of all time. The 2026 FIFA World Cup may represent his last realistic chance to feature on the global stage.

Salah will be turning 34 in June this year and he has made 113 appearances for Egypt with 65 goals and 35 assists.

The Liverpool attacker is hunting for redemption at the global tournament after falling just short of international glory in 2021. His last major run was in a continental stage that ended in heartbreak when his side lost the AFCON final 4-2 on penalties to Mané’s Senegal.

Riyad Mahrez (Algeria)

Algeria’s captain and long-time creative leader, Riyad Mahrez, will be nearing the end of his international career by 2026.

Mahrez has already achieved continental success by winning the 2019 AFCON and he is expected to transition out of the national team setup soon after this cycle.

The 35-year-old attacker has been Algeria’s most influential player of the past decade. Playing 113 games with 38 goals and 44 assists.

Édouard Mendy (Senegal)

The former Chelsea Goalkeeper Édouard Mendy, 34, has been one of Senegal’s most important modern players, especially after his rise in European football.

He is in the latter stages of his career but in most cases it’s very rare for goalkeeper to retire from international football in their mid-30s.

However, Mendy remains as one strong candidate for Senegal’s squad, but 2026 is expected to be his final World Cup cycle.

Conclusion

Across Africa, many national teams are entering a rebuilding phase. Veterans who carried their national teams through the 2014s and early 2020s are now being replaced by younger talents coming from European leagues and domestic leagues.

The 2026 World Cup may serve as both a celebration and a farewell marking the end of an era for some of the greatest talents that elevated African football on the global stage.

Bet on all the 104 games of the World Cup with the Bet.co.za as the tournaments starts on 11 June to 19 July.