* The continent’s greatest FIFA World Cup™ moment is not a question of if — but when
* Among the African teams at the FIFA World Cup™ 2026, only a few have local coaches — that is another point we need to think about
* For example, Ghana appointed Carlos Queiroz after previously having a local coach
Maravi Express
Former Portugal and Liverpool defender, Abel Xavier, observes that African teams are currently closest to attaining the greatest achievement at FIFA World Cup™ — based on the work they have done and the models they have implemented — “Senegal and Morocco are slightly ahead of the other African teams at this moment”.
Speaking to SuperSport, as the FIFA World Cup™ 2026 TV analyst, Xavier said watching more African players starring for Europe’s biggest clubs has only strengthened his conviction that the continent’s greatest FIFA World Cup™ moment is not a question of if — but when.
“The way I see it, there is an important reflection to be made regarding African teams,” he told SuperSport. “If African players are individually capable of competing at the highest level and playing for the best clubs in Europe, why are we not consistently seeing stronger national teams?
“That is something we need to reflect on. Secondly, among the African teams, only a few have local coaches. That is another point we need to think about.
“For example, Ghana appointed Carlos Queiroz after previously having a local coach,” said the former great star, one of football’s most recognisable personalities and a man whose own story stretches far beyond Europe.
Carlos Queiroz
His football journey began in Mozambique where he grew up, long before becoming a UEFA Champions League finalist, Premier League defender and Portugal international.
“When you talk about physicality, tactical awareness and understanding of the game, African teams have improved significantly. If you’re talking about skill, we have everything needed to compete with the very best.
“For that reason, I believe the moment will come when an African team achieves something truly special.”
Abel Xavier
Returning to the continent with SuperSport has rekindled something deeply personal: “It’s been awesome. Being here has allowed me to reconnect with my roots because Africa is in my heart.
“I would really, really like to see the African teams do well,” he said, adding that the expanded 2026 edition has created an entirely new competitive landscape.
“I think this World Cup is unusual because there are more teams and more unpredictable situations can happen. There are some teams that may not appear capable of competing at the highest level, but they can still surprise people.
“If we talk about the physical strength of the African teams, for example, and the pragmatism and tactical discipline of some of the Asian teams, they can also surprise people.
Cape Verde making history at the FIFA World Cup™ 2026
“Take South Korea, for example. For many people, their performance in the first game was a surprise. For me, it was not a surprise because of the reasons I’ve just mentioned.
“The favourites, in my view, are those who have won the tournament before. We are talking about France, Brazil, Argentina and Spain.
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“Then there is another group of teams that can surprise people, including Portugal and England. After that, there are other teams that can still disrupt the competition.”
And with Portugal safely through to the Round of 32, where they face Croatia in a mouthwatering knockout encounter live on SuperSport on Friday morning (01:00 CAT), Xavier believes his homeland has every reason to dream.
“I believe Portugal have a great chance. If we are talking about both quantity and quality, Portugal currently has the best generation of players.
“I believe that if the coach sets up the team properly, considering the number of quality players available, Portugal can achieve the results needed to take them at least to the semi-finals.”
It is a statement built not on emotion, but experience as Xavier represented Portugal during one of the country’s transformational eras, helping lay the foundations for the golden generation that followed.
Today, he sees a squad blessed with depth across every position, a balance of established stars and emerging talent, and a genuine opportunity to compete with the world’s elite.
Ronaldo
Yet one storyline towers above them all; at 41, Cristiano Ronaldo is chasing the one trophy that has always remained just beyond his grasp and Portugal pursuing the dream of becoming world champions.
He is contesting in what is widely expected to be his final FIFA World Cup and having conquered almost every major honour in club football and lifted the UEFA European Championship with Portugal, only one prize remains elusive.—Reporting by SuperSport; editing by Duncan Mlanjira; Maravi Express
Knockout stages results
* South Africa 0-1 Canada
* Jordan 1-3 Argentina
* Brazil 2-1 Japan
* Germany 1(3)-Paraguay 1(4)
* Netherlands 1(2)-Morocco 1(3)
Fixtures
Today
* Côte d’Ivoire v Norway (19h00)
* France v Sweden (23h00)
* Mexico v Ecuador (03h00)
Tomorrow
* England v DR Congo (18h00)
* Belgium v Senegal (22h00)
USA v Bosnia & Herzegovina (02h00)
Thursday
* Spain v Austria (21h00)
* Portugal v Croatia (01:00)
Friday
* Switzerland v Algeria (15h00)
* Australia v Egypt (20h00)
* Argentina v Cape Verde (00h00)
* Colombia v Ghana (03h30)
Saturday
* Canada v Morocco (19h00)
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