Will Kessié, Salah, Hakimi, and Koulibaly recover in time for the 2026 World Cup?

An injury nightmare is gripping African football just weeks before the 2026 World Cup, threatening the participation of the continent's biggest stars. The list of major concerns includes Ivorian Franck Kessié, Egyptian Mohamed Salah, Moroccan Achraf Hakimi, and Senegalese Kalidou Koulibaly.

Kessié Misses Team Training

Leading the list of endangered players is Ivorian midfielder Franck Kessié, who suffered a muscle injury during his Saudi club Al-Ahli's match against Al-Fateh in the Saudi Pro League. Kessié left the pitch after only about 30 minutes, feeling pain in his hamstring, prompting him to request a substitution as a precautionary measure.

According to "Africa Top Sports," Kessié has missed team training sessions since that injury, sparking anxiety within the Ivory Coast national team camp. The Ivorian squad relies heavily on Kessié as a key midfield pillar ahead of their anticipated World Cup appearance.

Salah, Hakimi, and Koulibaly Under Scrutiny

The worry is not confined to the Ivory Coast team alone but extends to the condition of several other prominent African stars. Senegalese defender Kalidou Koulibaly is currently dealing with a thigh hematoma, an injury he sustained during training with his Saudi club Al-Hilal.

Meanwhile, uncertainty still surrounds the readiness of Egyptian star Mohamed Salah and Moroccan full-back Achraf Hakimi, as their rehabilitation programs continue and their physical condition is monitored ahead of international friendlies scheduled for June.

Fans of African national teams are closely tracking the latest developments regarding their key players. Any potential absence of stars like Salah or Hakimi is seen as a severe blow to team ambitions, especially with rising expectations before the World Cup.

As the countdown to the World Cup begins, the continent has entered a race against time—not only for technical preparation but also to restore full physical fitness for its top stars, hoping to enter the tournament at full strength and readiness.