Can African Footballers…

As the 2026 Major League Soccer season kicks off, ESPN examines the new campaign and what to anticipate from African players in the MLS this year.

This offseason has brought several new African signings from across the continent, making it intriguing to see how these players will influence the league, especially when compared to the NWSL, where African women have excelled in the last two seasons.

Golden Boot Contenders in MLS

Denis Bouanga (LAFC, Gabon)

Though Bouanga faced challenges during the Africa Cup of Nations, where Gabon was knocked out early, his reputation in Major League Soccer is firmly established.

The gifted winger has become one of Africa’s proud contributions to US soccer, transforming into an MLS icon since his move from Saint-Etienne to LAFC in 2022.

He has garnered a significant collection of accolades, including the MLS Cup and Supporters’ Shield in 2022, along with the US Open Cup two years later, making him LAFC’s leading scorer for the last four seasons.

At 31, he has been integral to crafting the identity of the current Los Angeles club, and he still has goals to achieve, having been pivotal during LAFC’s journey to the CONCACAF Champions League final in 2023, where they ultimately fell short against Leon.

He leads the scoring charts in this year’s continental competition and aims to replicate that success while aiming for yet another 20+-goal season in MLS.

With LAFC’s revamped attacking lineup now featuring Bouanga and Son Heung-min, their strike partnership could emerge as one of the most formidable in the league’s history, depending on how well incoming head coach Marc Dos Santos optimizes their talents.

Kévin Denkey (FC Cincinnati, Togo)

Denkey set a record transfer to FC Cincinnati from Cercle Brugge for $16.2 million in November ’24, and he had a promising debut season with FCC, netting 15 goals in 29 matches.

This impressive performance helped propel his team to second place in the Eastern Conference and the overall MLS standings before they were ultimately eliminated by Inter Miami CF in the semifinals.

For context, Denkey’s debut season overshadowed the initial campaigns of Africa’s previous MLS stars, except for Bouanga, significantly outpacing Kei Kamara, Dominic Oduro, Fanendo Adi, and Obafemi Martins.

At just 25 years old, Denkey embodies the new profile of talent MLS is targeting, capitalizing on the league’s growing appeal.

Much is expected from his partnership with Evander, and if they sync, Cincinnati may contend for significant titles.

Wilfried Zaha (Charlotte FC, Ivory Coast)

Zaha showed flashes of brilliance during his inaugural MLS season, averaging nearly a goal every three games while navigating the transition to a new country and league.

His loan lasts until July, allowing him to make an impact in the early stages of the season before potentially returning to Galatasaray or another club.

With the World Cup approaching, Zaha recognizes the need to showcase his talent after not leaving a mark in the Africa Cup of Nations.

Since arriving in North Carolina, Zaha has remained true to himself, garnering some fans, but adapting to a new environment and joining a transitioning team means MLS hasn’t witnessed his best form yet.

African Wonderkids to Watch

Manu Duah (San Diego FC, Ghana)

Draughted as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft, making him San Diego FC’s first-ever draft selection, 20-year-old Duah has quickly made a name for himself as one of the most promising young centre-backs in the country.

After impressing in college football at UC Santa Barbara, often in a midfield role, he adapted swiftly to both the MLS and the CONCACAF Champions Cup.

With solid ball control, a strong understanding of the game, and impressive physical attributes, look for him to continue developing under Mikey Varas’ guidance.

Could he possibly make a surprise entry into Ghana’s World Cup squad?

Rayan Elloumi (Vancouver Whitecaps, Tunisia)

Elloumi could also earn a spot in the World Cup if he starts the season strongly. It’s still uncertain whether his international future lies with Tunisia, where he played at the U-23 level, or Canada, for whom he has played for their B team recently.

The 18-year-old secured his first professional deal in June, netting his first MLS goal three months later during a remarkable 7-0 victory against Philadelphia Union. Stellar performances in MLS NEXT Pro suggest he could be a breakout star in 2026.

Nimfasha Berchimas (Charlotte FC, Burundi-Tanzania)

Berchimas made history as the youngest player to score for the United States at the U-17 level since the legendary Freddy Adu, when he scored in the 2023 tournament in South Korea at age 15.

Since then, he has advanced to the U-20 team while also beginning his professional career in MLS after excellent performances with Charlotte’s NEXT Pro team, Crown Legacy.

This promising winger, eligible for both Burundi and Tanzania, has the potential to become a major talent in MLS, although rumors of interest from Bayern Munich could lead to a transfer to Europe before the year concludes.

New African Signings to Watch

Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire FC, South Africa)

Despite South Africa’s coach Hugo Broos expressing disappointment over Mbokazi’s decision to sign with Chicago Fire instead of pursuing a move to Europe, we believe the 20-year-old can elevate his game in the US.

He made a mark at Orlando Pirates last year, and his absence is evident as the Buccaneers struggle to find a replacement for his swift pace, aerial prowess, and steadfast defensive style.

Mbokazi possesses the ability to make Broos reconsider his criticism, but he must dispel any notions that his focus and professionalism might hinder his potential.

Puso Dithejane (Chicago Fire FC, South Africa)

Joining Chicago Fire with Mbokazi, Dithejane is also gaining attention as part of the growing South African representation in US soccer, along with fellow players Olwethu Makhanya and Bongi Hlongwane who are set to appear in MLS this season.

The 21-year-old, who debuted for South Africa in the 2023 COSAFA Cup, brings vibrant speed and direct dribbling to the Fire and proved his scoring ability during his loan at TS Galaxy.

Sekou Bangoura (Columbus Crew, Guinea)

The Crew invested €1 million to acquire the Guinea midfielder from Kiryat Shmona in Israel this January, as one of several significant acquisitions for Henrik Rydstrom’s squad.

Bangoura, 23, presents a risk, as he’s been with five different clubs since 2021 without establishing himself. However, he now has an excellent opportunity to demonstrate his abilities.

As a robust box-to-box player, can Bangoura replicate the energy and enthusiasm that the Crew lost with the retirement of US international Darlington Nagbe?