Jose Mourinho backs African teams to shine at 2026 FIFA World Cup
Renowned Portuguese coach José Mourinho has hailed the impressive performances of African nations at the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup, expressing confidence that several teams from the continent have what it takes to make deep runs in the tournament.
Speaking during a recent football discussion, Mourinho singled out Côte d’Ivoire for praise despite their narrow 2-1 defeat to Germany in a Group E clash on Saturday. The former Chelsea and Real Madrid manager said the Ivorians demonstrated resilience, tactical awareness and self-belief against one of football’s traditional powerhouses.
“Watching the strength and confidence displayed by the Ivory Coast players against Germany was truly impressive,” Mourinho said.
The veteran tactician noted that Côte d’Ivoire’s display was part of a broader trend among African teams at the tournament.
“Not only Ivory Coast, but other African teams such as Morocco and others have also been performing exceptionally well. They are playing with composure, tactical discipline and a clear understanding of their game plans,” he added.
According to Mourinho, the growing influence of African football on the global stage is no surprise given the quality and experience of players representing the continent.
“Many of these players are already established stars in Europe and other top leagues around the world. Their performances at this World Cup are a reflection of their talent and experience,” he said.
Germany secured a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Côte d’Ivoire in Toronto after rallying from behind, with substitute Deniz Undav playing a pivotal role in Julian Nagelsmann’s side’s comeback.
Despite the defeat, Mourinho commended the Ivorians for their organized defensive structure and attacking threat, which tested the Germans throughout the encounter.
The two-time UEFA Champions League-winning coach believes the performances of African nations at the World Cup underline their increasing competitiveness and growing status in international football.
With several African teams still battling for places in the knockout rounds, Mourinho remains optimistic that the continent’s representatives possess the quality, experience and determination needed to challenge the world’s best and potentially achieve historic success at the tournament.
Join the Savid News channel on WhatsApp:
