Former France defender and 1998 World Cup winner Marcel Desailly has tipped Côte d’Ivoire as the African nation with the best chance of reaching the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Ghana-born football icon made the statement in Abidjan, where the FIFA World Cup Trophy Tour, presented by Coca‑Cola, is currently underway, generating excitement across the continent.
Speaking at the event, Desailly highlighted the historic qualification of nine African teams for the expanded 48-team tournament.
“Morocco managed to reach the semi-final during the last World Cup, and we’re now nine African nations in the system; one will reach the final,” he asserted, expressing strong belief in the continent’s growing competitive strength on the global stage.
While naming Ivory Coast as his primary pick due to their potential, Desailly, who was born in Accra, also voiced a personal hope for his country of birth.
“Maybe Ivory Coast, even though I would love Ghana to reach the final,” he stated, acknowledging the deep-rooted passion for football in Ghana.
His comments bridge his professional analysis with a clear emotional connection to the nation where his football journey began.
Cote d’Ivoire is in Group E for the 2026 World Cup with Germany, Ecuador, and Curaçao. They face Ecuador on June 14 (Philadelphia), Germany on June 20 (Toronto), and Curaçao on June 25 (Philadelphia). This marks their return to the tournament after a 12-year absence.
Desailly’s prediction comes as the World Cup Trophy Tour energizes fans ahead of the kick off in June and July.
