FIFA World Cup 2026 is getting closer, but anxiety is growing across Africa as several major stars battle fitness problems just weeks before the competition. Franck Kessié became the latest concern after suffering an injury with Al-Ahli and leaving the pitch after only 30 minutes on Wednesday.
Since then, the Ivorian midfielder has remained absent from training, increasing fears within the Ivory Coast national football team camp ahead of the tournament.
The worrying situation does not stop there. Mohamed Salah, Achraf Hakimi and Kalidou Koulibaly are also struggling physically during this decisive period of the season. Koulibaly is currently recovering from a thigh hematoma suffered during training with Al-Hilal, while uncertainty remains around Salah and Hakimi before the final international friendlies scheduled for June.
Across the continent, supporters are now closely monitoring every update concerning their national team leaders. The possible absence of players such as Mohamed Salah or Achraf Hakimi would represent a massive blow for their countries, especially with expectations so high ahead of the World Cup. The race against time has truly begun for Africa’s biggest stars.
