Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa will battle for the 2026 UEFA Super Cup today with several African players expected to attract attention in the clash at the Red Bull Arena in Salzburg, Austria.
The match pits UEFA Champions League holders PSG against Europa League winners Aston Villa, with kick-off scheduled for 9pm local time in Austria.
The game will see some African players go against each other as they hope to win the trophy for their clubs.
History will also be made as Somalian referee, Omar Artan who was denied entry to the USA for the FIFA World Cup will take charge of the game as part of CAF and UEFA refereeing agreement.
Here are African players to watch out for
Achraf Hakimi — Paris Saint-Germain, Morocco
One of the biggest African names in the game, Morocco captain Achraf Hakimi is included in PSG’s official 24-man squad for the Super Cup.
Hakimi has established himself as a key figure in Luis Enrique’s side and will be expected to provide attacking threat from the right side while also helping PSG deal with Aston Villa’s pace in transition.
The Moroccan defender comes into the game after representing Morocco at the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations, where he faced his PSG teammate Ibrahim Mbaye in the final. Senegal won that final 1-0 after extra time.
Ibrahim Mbaye — Paris Saint-Germain, Senegal
Another African player in PSG’s squad is teenage Senegal international Ibrahim Mbaye.
The 18-year-old forward has rapidly risen through the ranks at PSG and is now part of the club’s first-team setup. PSG’s official squad list includes Mbaye among the players selected for the Super Cup.
Mbaye was also part of Senegal’s squad that defeated Morocco to win the 2026 AFCON, with the youngster featuring as a substitute in the final.
His inclusion gives PSG another young attacking option should Luis Enrique decide to introduce him during the match.
Mamadou Cissé — Aston Villa, Senegal
Aston Villa also have African representation in the form of Mamadou Cissé, the Senegalese midfielder.
Cissé is among the players available to Unai Emery as Villa attempt to produce an upset against the reigning European champions.
Evann Guessand — Aston Villa, Côte d’Ivoire
Evann Guessand, an Ivorian forward, is another African player listed in Aston Villa’s squad. UEFA identifies the attacker as an Ivory Coast international.
Guessand offers Villa an additional attacking option and could be important if Emery looks to exploit spaces behind PSG’s defensive line.
For African football fans, the fixture offers another opportunity to watch some of the continent’s leading talents compete on one of European football’s biggest stages.
PSG vs Aston Villa
Competition: UEFA Super Cup
Date: Wednesday, August 12, 2026
Venue: Red Bull Arena, Salzburg, Austria
Kick-off: 9pm local time / 8pm BST
