Former Nigeria international Sunday Oliseh has made a bold prediction about which African nation will shine brightest at the 2026 World Cup, dismissing Morocco and Ghana while backing a less-favoured contender. The ex-Super Eagles midfielder shared his views during a recent football analysis appearance, setting off debate across the continent's football community.
Oliseh's Bold World Cup Prediction
Oliseh, who captained Nigeria at the 1998 World Cup in France, named South Africa as the African team most likely to make a significant impact at the 2026 tournament. The finals will be hosted jointly by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. His comments came during a television segment where analysts discussed Africa's chances of improving on its quarter-final performance from Qatar 2022.
The 49-year-old specifically excluded Morocco, who reached that semi-final stage two years ago, and Ghana, a nation with four World Cup appearances, from his list of continent favourites. "South Africa has the tactical discipline and squad depth to surprise people," Oliseh stated during the broadcast.
Why South Africa Over Traditional Powers
Oliseh pointed to South Africa's consistent performances in recent continental competitions under head coach Hugo Broos. The Belgian manager has rebuilt the Bafana Bafana squad with younger players who have shown composure in high-pressure matches. Broos took over in 2021 and guided South Africa to the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations quarter-finals.
Morocco, meanwhile, has experienced turbulence since their historic run in Qatar. Several key players from that squad have aged, and head coach Walid Regragui has struggled to maintain the same defensive solidity that characterised their 2022 campaign. Morocco failed to win either of their recent international friendly matches in March.
Morocco's Post-Qatar Challenges
The North African side has dealt with injuries to core players including goalkeeper Yassine Bounou and midfielder Hakim Ziyech. Their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign begins this September, and questions remain about whether the squad can recapture their previous form. Regragui has hinted at blooding younger talent, a transition that could create initial instability.
Ghana's Rebuilding Phase
Ghana finished bottom of their AFCON group in January, a result that exposed significant gaps in the Black Stars squad. New coach Otto Addo faces the difficult task of blending experienced campaigners with untested youngsters ahead of the qualification window. Oliseh's decision to exclude Ghana reflects widespread scepticism about their readiness for another World Cup appearance.
South Africa's Qualification Path
South Africa sits fourth in Group K of African World Cup qualifying, behind Rwanda, Nigeria, and Benin. They must navigate remaining fixtures to secure one of nine automatic African qualification spots for the expanded 48-team tournament. The Bafana Bafana have shown resilience in recent matches, recording clean sheets against tougher opponents.
The team boasts players in top European leagues, including Evidence Makgopa at Orlando Pirates andasync player Miguel Moutlhw Dikgacoi, whose club experience in England provides valuable international pedigree. Broos has emphasised a structured defensive system that could prove effective against stronger nations in the United States.
Reactions Across African Football
Oliseh's prediction has divided opinion among football writers and former players. South African commentators have welcomed the endorsement, though they caution that expectation adds pressure to a squad still rebuilding confidence. Nigerian journalists have largely defended Oliseh's right to an opinion while questioning whether South Africa possesses the firepower to go deep into a World Cup.
Moroccan and Ghanaian supporters have responded with dismissal, pointing to their nations' superior historical World Cup records. South Africa has reached the tournament just twice, while Morocco and Ghana have combined for eleven appearances across various editions.
What Comes Next
All three nations face crucial qualification matches between September 2025 and November 2025. South Africa's next competitive fixture arrives against Rwanda on September 5. The outcome of those qualifying rounds will ultimately determine whether Oliseh's bold prediction has merit. Broos has scheduled a training camp in June to prepare his squad for the demanding schedule ahead.
Fans across the continent should watch how each team performs in their opening qualifiers. Oliseh's assessment may prove prescient or premature, but it has succeeded in generating conversation about which African nation can deliver at football's biggest stage in 2026.
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