Former Napoli head coach Antonio Conte has singled out three African players among the breakout performers of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, praising their displays despite their teams’ exits from the tournament.
Speaking to Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, Conte was asked to name some of the lesser-known players who caught his attention during the World Cup.
“I liked Egypt winger Haissem Hassan, Morocco midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi, and Ivory Coast midfielder Christ Inao Oulai,” Conte said.
The three players impressed on football’s biggest stage despite their respective nations falling short of the latter rounds.
Morocco’s memorable campaign ended in the quarter-finals with defeat to France, while Egypt were eliminated by Argentina in the Round of 16. Ivory Coast, meanwhile, exited the tournament in the Round of 32 after losing to Norway.
Hassan’s inclusion on Conte’s list is particularly noteworthy given his limited involvement during the tournament. The Egypt winger featured in only two matches, against Australia in the Round of 32 and Argentina in the Round of 16, after administrative procedures prevented him from taking part in the Pharaohs’ opening two group-stage fixtures.
Despite his brief appearance at the tournament, Hassan did enough to earn recognition from one of Europe‘s most respected coaches, highlighting the impact he made whenever he was given the opportunity.
