Can African players influence MLS as they have in the NWSL?
As the 2026 Major League Soccer season commences, ESPN examines the upcoming campaign to assess the contributions expected from African players in MLS this year.
The offseason witnessed several new African acquisitions from various regions of the continent, and it will be intriguing to observe the influence these players have on the league, particularly when compared to the NWSL, where African women have excelled over the past two seasons.
Golden Boot contenders in MLS
Denis Bouanga (LAFC, Gabon)
Despite facing challenges at the Africa Cup of Nations, where Gabon was eliminated in the initial round, Bouanga’s reputation in Major League Soccer is firmly established.
The skilled winger has made a name for himself as one of Africa’s significant contributions to US soccer, having emerged as a true MLS star since his transfer from Saint-Etienne to Los Angeles FC in 2022.
He has amassed numerous accolades, including the MLS Cup and Supporters’ Shield in 2022, along with the US Open Cup two years later, and has been LAFC’s leading scorer for the past four seasons.
The 31-year-old has played a crucial role in shaping the identity of the current Los Angeles franchise, and he has unfinished business at the club, having been instrumental in their journey to the CONCACAF Champions League final in 2023, where LAFC ultimately fell to Leon.
Currently, he leads the scoring chart in this year’s edition of the continent’s premier competition and aims to balance success against the region’s top defenses with another season of 20 or more goals in Major League Soccer.
LAFC’s revamped attacking lineup, featuring Bouanga alongside Son Heung-min, could potentially be one of the most formidable in the league’s history, provided incoming head coach Marc Dos Santos can maximize the duo’s potential.
play0:33Denis Bouanga slots in the goal for LAFC
Denis Bouanga slots in the goal for LAFC
Kévin Denkey (FC Cincinnati, Togo)
Denkey, who was the record MLS signing when he transferred to FC Cincinnati from Cercle Brugge for $16.2 million in November ’24, had a promising first season with FCC, netting 15 goals in 29 appearances.
This performance propelled his new team to second place in the Eastern Conference and the overall MLS standings, although they were ultimately eliminated by Inter Miami CF in the semifinals.
For context, Denkey’s debut season surpassed the initial campaigns of all of Africa’s MLS stars, with the exception of Bouanga, significantly outshining Kei Kamara, Dominic Oduro, Fanendo Adi, and Obafemi Martins.
At just 25, the powerful and instinctive striker embodies the new profile of players being sought by MLS clubs, drawn by the opportunities the league offers.
There is a belief that Denkey’s partnership with Evander has the potential for further development, and if they can establish a strong connection, The Garys may contend for significant titles.
Wilfried Zaha (Charlotte FC, Ivory Coast)
Zaha showcased moments of brilliance during his inaugural MLS season last year, with the 33-year-old averaging just under a goal every three games while acclimating to a new country and league.
His loan extends until July, allowing the forward to make an impact in the early months of the season before potentially returning to Galatasaray (or another club).
With the World Cup approaching, Zaha understands the need to continue demonstrating his quality after a subdued performance for the Ivory Coast at the Africa Cup of Nations.
Since arriving in North Carolina, Zaha has remained true to himself, gaining some admirers along the way; however, adapting to a new setting and joining a transitioning team means MLS has yet to witness his full potential.
African wonderkids to watch
Manu Duah (San Diego FC, Ghana)
The top overall selection in the 2025 MLS SuperDraft in December ’24, Duah became the first-ever draft pick for San Diego FC and has quickly begun to establish himself as one of the most promising young center-backs in the United States.
The Ghanaian excelled in college soccer at UC Santa Barbara, often playing in a midfield position, and adapted swiftly to both MLS and the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
With a strong command of possession, keen game awareness, and impressive physical attributes, expect another year of development under Mikey Varas.
Could he make an unexpected late entry into Ghana’s World Cup squad?
Rayan Elloumi (Vancouver Whitecaps, Tunisia)
Elloumi could also be a surprise candidate for the World Cup if he starts the season on a strong note, although it remains uncertain whether his international future lies with Tunisia, where he has represented the U-23 team, or Canada, having played for their B team earlier this year.
The 18-year-old signed his first professional contract in June and scored his first MLS goal three months later, contributing to the 7-0 rout of Philadelphia Union. Having excelled in MLS NEXT Pro, the talented forward could emerge as the division’s 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 prodigy Freddy Adu 23 years ago, netting in the 2023 tournament in South Korea at just 15 years old.
Since then, he has advanced to the U-20 team while also beginning his professional journey in MLS, having gained experience with Charlotte’s NEXT Pro team, Crown Legacy.
The promising winger, eligible for both Burundi and Tanzania, has the potential to become a significant figure in Major League Soccer, although speculation regarding interest from Bayern Munich may lead to a transfer to Europe before the year concludes.
New African signings to watch
Mbekezeli Mbokazi (Chicago Fire FC, South Africa)
South Africa’s head coach Hugo Broos may not have approved of Mbokazi’s choice to join Chicago Fire instead of moving to Europe, publicly criticizing the young defender in late 2025 during a notable outburst; however, there is confidence that the 20-year-old can elevate his game in the United States.
He caught attention while playing for Orlando Pirates after making his debut for the PSL giants last year, and the Buccaneers have struggled in his absence, unable to replicate the center-back’s speed, aerial prowess, and straightforward defensive style.
Mbokazi possesses the attributes to make Broos reconsider his stance, but he must dispel any notions that a lack of professionalism and focus could hinder his progress.
Puso Dithejane (Chicago Fire FC, South Africa)
Dithejane, who was signed by Fire alongside Mbokazi, may not be as high-profile as his new teammate, but he represents the growing South African presence in US soccer, joining Olwethu Makhanya and Bongi Hlongwane among other Mzansi talents set to compete in MLS this season.
The 21-year-old, who made his South Africa debut in the 2023 COSAFA Cup, is expected to bring explosive speed and direct dribbling to the Fire, having also shown his scoring ability during his loan at TS Galaxy.
Sekou Bangoura (Columbus Crew, Guinea)
The Crew invested €1m to acquire the Guinea international midfielder from Israel’s Kiryat Shmona in January, with Bangoura joining as one of several significant signings for Henrik Rydstrom’s squad.
The 23-year-old represents a risk — Crew is his sixth club since 2021, and he has yet to find a stable environment to fully showcase his abilities, but he now has an excellent opportunity to demonstrate his potential.
A dynamic box-to-box player, can Bangoura fill the void left by the retirement of US international Darlington Nagbe in terms of energy and dynamism?
