With Nigeria and DR Congo now battling for the last two African slots in the 2026 FIFA World Cup play-offs, several of the continent’s biggest football talents have already been ruled out of the global tournament scheduled for North America. Here are the top African stars who won’t be part of the showpiece.
Nigeria, DR Congo Reach Final Play-off Round
On Thursday, Nigeria and DR Congo secured their places in the final stage of CAF’s World Cup qualifiers in Morocco.
DR Congo clinched a dramatic 1-0 win over Cameroon after Chancel Mbemba scored a stoppage-time winner. Nigeria followed with a 4-1 extra-time victory over Gabon, with Victor Osimhen netting twice.
Cameroon’s Premier League Duo Miss Out
Cameroon’s elimination means two Premier League standouts will not feature at the 2026 World Cup:
Bryan Mbuemo – Manchester United’s top scorer this season with six goals after his high-profile €75 million move from Brentford.
Carlos Baleba – One of the Premier League’s most promising young defensive midfielders, currently at Brighton & Hove Albion and previously linked with Manchester United.
Aubameyang’s World Cup Dream Ends
Gabon’s exit confirms that Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang will miss out once again.
At 36, the Olympique Marseille striker and 2015 African Footballer of the Year appears set to end his illustrious career without a World Cup appearance.
Guirassy Also Ruled Out
Guinea’s failure to progress from the group stage sealed the fate of Serhou Guirassy.
The Borussia Dortmund forward and 2025 Ballon d’Or nominee has been one of Europe’s most lethal strikers, with 45 goals and 13 assists in 65 matches for the German side.
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