Former France defender and 1998 World Cup champion, Marcel Desailly has suggested that Côte d’Ivoire is the African country most likely to make it to the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Ghana-born football legend made the statement in Abidjan, where the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour, presented by Coca-Cola, is currently taking place.
Speaking at the event, Desailly highlighted the historic qualification of nine African teams for the expanded 48-team tournament.
“Morocco successfully reached the semi-finals in the last World Cup, and now there are nine African teams participating in the system; one of them will make it to the final,” he stated.
While naming Ivory Coast as his main choice because of their potential, Desailly, who was born in Accra, also expressed a personal wish for his country of birth.
“Maybe Ivory Coast, even though I would really like Ghana to make it to the final,” he said, recognizing the strong love for football in Ghana.
His words connect his expert insights with a genuine feeling for the country where his football career started. Desailly’s prediction comes as the World Cup Trophy Tour energizes fans ahead of the kick-off in June and July.
Nigeria failed to qualify for the World Cup which will be played in the USA, Mexico and Canada.
The likes of Egypt, Morocco, Ghana, Tunisia, Ivory Coast, DR Congo, Senegal, South Africa and Algeria will be flying the flag of Africa at the tournament.
Nigeria wanted to make up their absence at the tournament by winning the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco but their dream was cut short in the semi-finals.
The Super Eagles’ were defeated in the semi-finals by the host nation, Morocco who beat them 4-2 in a penalty shootout after the 120 minutes of the game ended in a 0-0 draw.