Former Ballon d’Or winner and FIFA World Player of the Year, George Weah, has picked his two favourites for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and surprisingly, none of them are from the African continent.
The global showpiece is currently underway in Canada, Mexico, and the United States, featuring an expanded 48-nation format for the first time in tournament history. This milestone expansion also sees Africa heavily represented by a record 10 countries.
Algeria, Cape Verde, DR Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, and Tunisia are the CAF representatives flying the continental flag in North America.
Historically, no African country has ever won the World Cup, with Morocco coming closest after their historic semi-final run in 2022. Cameroon [1990], Senegal [2002], and Ghana [2010] remain the only other African nations to have reached the quarter-finals.
GEORGE WEAH PICKS USA AND BRAZIL AS HIS WORLD CUP FAVOURITES
The legendary former AC Milan striker, who remains the only African player to win the Ballon d’Or and FIFA World Player of the Year awards [1995], has put his backing behind the USA and Brazil.
“Well, I support the USA national team, and I support Brazil,” Weah told journalists. “I am going to watch all the games and let the best team win.”
The former Liberian president went on to explain the deep personal ties that influenced his choices. “The reason I support Brazil is because I was trained in Brazil. I got an opportunity to go to Brazil, and King Pelé is my idol,” he revealed.
“I support the USA national team in this World Cup because my son plays for that national team. That’s if I am not biased, because I came to work for FIFA and to support my son.”
Weah’s son, Timothy Weah, is a key figure for the United States men’s national team. The 26-year-old winger currently plays for Ligue 1 outfit Marseille, on loan from Italian Serie A giants Juventus.
Despite his picks, the legendary forward insisted his heart still beats for the continent, stating that he routinely checks in on West African neighbours, the Ivory Coast.
“African teams, of course, I am an African, I would love for all our teams to do well,” Weah added. “Like Ivory Coast. I called Ivory Coast, and I wished them well when they were going to the game. So you can’t take that from us; it’s where we are from. So, of course, you know we support all our African teams.”
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