These 5 African players who made World Cup history with their precocity
Exclusive
Africa will be represented by ten teams at the 2026 World Cup, with the final tournament set to take place in North America from June 11 to July 19, 2026.
The nations competing are Tunisia, Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, Cape Verde, Ghana, South Africa, DR Congo, Ivory Coast, and Senegal.
Official: FIFA unveils its new rankings after AFCON 2025
After the exceptional run by the Atlas Lions at the 2022 World Cup, where they finished fourth behind Argentina, France, and Croatia, Africa is now dreaming of its first ever triumph at the world’s most prestigious competition.
Let’s shine the spotlight on the 5 youngest African players to ever feature at the World Cup.
Samuel Eto'o (Cameroon)
The former Inter Milan star made his World Cup debut for the Indomitable Lions against Italy in the 1998 edition.
On June 17, 1998, French coach Claude Le Roy threw him into the deep end when he was just 17 years, 3 months, and 7 days old.
Since then, he has racked up 113 caps, scoring 56 goals and providing 7 assists.
Femi Opabunmi (Nigeria)
The former Grasshoppers left winger made his debut for the Super Eagles against England during the 2002 World Cup.
Nigerian coach Augustine Eguavoen handed him his first appearance at just 17 years, 3 months, and 9 days old.
He went on to make 6 appearances for Nigeria, scoring his only goal against Kenya.
Salomon Olembé (Cameroon)
The former FC Nantes midfielder made his World Cup debut for the Indomitable Lions at France 1998.
He was selected by French coach Claude Le Roy to face Austria at just 17 years, 6 months, and 3 days old.
Across 61 appearances for Cameroon, he netted 3 goals and delivered 2 assists.
The wait is almost over… ⏳
One week to go until the biggest-ever @FIFAWorldCup kicks off! 🏆 pic.twitter.com/sgBnih8nMs— FIFA (@FIFAcom) June 4, 2026
Bartholomew Ogbeche (Nigeria)
The ex-Paris Saint-Germain striker discovered the World Cup at the 2002 edition, held in Japan and South Korea.
He made his first appearance at 17 years, 8 months, and 2 days old in Nigeria’s loss to Argentina (0-1).
He earned 11 caps for the Super Eagles, scoring 3 goals.
Rigobert Song (Cameroon)
The former Liverpool defender played in his first World Cup in 1994 under French coach Henri Michel.
At just 17 years, 11 months, and 19 days old, he featured in the match against Sweden (2-2).
With the Indomitable Lions, he earned 137 caps, scored 4 goals, and provided a single assist.
Europe
Yesterday at 07:30
Europe
31 May 2026
Europe
18 May 2026
World Cup 2026
Today at 05:36
Africa
Today at 05:31
Europe
Today at 05:30
World Cup 2026
Today at 05:27
World Cup 2026
Today at 05:10