Mohamed Salah (Egypt) – Football
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2026 was already going to be a big year for Mohamed Salah, who will be leading Egypt at the World Cup this summer, eager to erase the difficult memories from the Pharaohs’ disappointing campaign at Russia 2018.
Currently on international duty with Egypt at the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, where he scored in their two opening group games before being rested for Monday's dead-rubber, Salah has been tasked to end his nation’s continental drought by helping the Pharaohs to a first title in the competition since 2010.
But besides his Egypt commitments, Salah’s 2026 could come with upheaval, with his future at Liverpool uncertain. It remains to be seen whether he will still be a Red post-Afcon and his next move will likely be a hot topic over the next few months.
Mohamed Amoura (Algeria) – Football
Ten of Algeria’s 24 goals in their World Cup qualification campaign came courtesy of Mohamed Amoura.
The 25-year-old forward has netted six goals in 14 Bundesliga appearances for Wolfsburg so far this season and kicked off his Afcon campaign with Algeria by providing a fancy trivela assist to Riyad Mahrez in the Desert Foxes’ opening victory over Sudan.
In sizzling form lately and hungry for more, Amoura is definitely worth your attention in 2026, whether he’s playing for club or country.
Brahim Diaz (Morocco) – Football
It’s been a little under two years since the Spain-born Brahim Diaz made his debut for Morocco and judging by his form and demeanour in the Afcon so far, he seems to be building a real connection with his Atlas Lions teammates and their fervent home fans.
With 11 goals scored in 18 appearances for Morocco so far, the Real Madrid forward is proving to be a key figure on Walid Regragui’s stacked squad.
Morocco landed in a tough World Cup group alongside Brazil, Scotland and Haiti, and it will take a mighty effort for them to replicate their fourth-place showing at the last global finals in Qatar.
Diaz, 26, wasn’t part of the team that made history three years ago but has a chance to create some special new memories with Morocco this summer.
Ali Olwan (Jordan) – Football
Nine goals, including a crucial hat-trick against Oman, from Ali Olwan helped Jordan secure qualification for the Fifa World Cup for the first time in their history.
The 25-year-old’s heroics with Al Nashama didn’t stop there. In December, he was the Golden Boot winner at the Fifa Arab Cup, scoring twice in the final as Jordan came out the wrong side of a five-goal thriller. Olwan finished as the tournament's top scorer with six goals.
Primarily a forward who can play as a left winger, Olwan plies his trade at Iraq Stars League club Al Karma.
As Jordan step up to the global stage in North America next summer, where they’ve been grouped with defending champions Argentina, Algeria and Austria, Olwan will be keen to deliver for his home country once again.
Ahmed Hafnaoui (Tunisia) – Swimming
It’s been a roller-coaster ride for Ahmed Hafnaoui, ever since he stunned the world by taking gold from Lane 8 in the 400m freestyle at the Tokyo Olympics four years ago.
With limited competitive appearances after Tokyo, Hafnaoui turned up to the World Aquatics Championships in 2023 and swam the second-fastest 1,500 free in history and became just the third man to pull off the 800 free and 1,500 free double, at the worlds.
The Tunisian spent time at Indiana University but couldn’t swim for the team until he got his grades up (he was learning English i
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