During this first international break of the 2025-2026 season, seven players from Nice were called up by their respective national teams. Here’s a look back at each player’s performances and stakes during this World Cup 2026 qualifying phase.
This first international campaign was favorable for the players from Nice. Most of them played on the African continent and secured their tickets for the World Cup in the United States in 2026. As for Yehvann Diouf and Antoine Mendy, Senegal achieved two victories: against Sudan (2-0), and then in a thrilling match against DR Congo (2-3). With 18 points, the Lions of Teranga are just one step away from direct qualification.
After the disappointment against Cameroon in 2022, Algeria, led by Hicham Boudaoui, is likely to qualify for the World Cup next June. With a four-point lead over Uganda and Mozambique, Boudaoui’s teammates are in pole position with two games remaining. The midfielder started in the victory against Botswana (3-1) and the draw (0-0) against Guinea.
Performing recruits
This first break was an opportunity to watch the new recruits from Nice, who joined during the summer transfer window, play for their national teams. Ghanaian Salis Abdul Samed, recruited from Lens for 2.5M, is also in a comfortable position for direct qualification to the World Cup. Ghana, leading with 19 points, drew against Chad before winning at home against Mali (1-0).
A successful break, but a challenging qualification path for Juma Bah and Sierra Leone. Starting in the draw against Guinea-Bissau (1-1) and the victory against Ethiopia (2-0), the Nice defender provided a decisive assist late in the second match. Encouraging results, but not enough for Sierra Leone to glimpse the playoffs. Currently 3rd, Sierra Leone faces Burkina Faso in a decisive match in a month.
Back in Europe, the only international player is midfielder Charles Vanhoutte, who was transferred from Royal Union Saint-Gilloise in Belgium for 6M. It’s a great story for the midfielder, earning his first cap for the Red Devils. He came on in the 86th minute, replacing Kevin de Bruyne in the victory (6-0) against Kazakhstan.
Finally, young Djibril Coulibaly, who started at Benfica at the beginning of the season, was present with the France U-18 team during two friendly matches against Portugal and Japan.
Stay tuned in October to learn the next results of this World Cup 2026 qualifying phase.
