World Cup 2026: IShowSpeed Snubs Ghana, Predicts Tournament Winner
- Popular American streamer IShowSpeed has disclosed his pick to win the 2026 FIFA World Cup
- Ghana will begin its World Cup journey against Panama on June 17 at BMO Field in Toronto, Canada
- In an interview with YEN.com.gh, an African expert backed two sides to make the continent proud
IShowSpeed may proudly acknowledge his Ghanaian roots, but when it comes to predicting the winner of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the global streaming sensation has looked elsewhere.
The 21-year-old has ruled out the Black Stars from his title favourites, instead tipping one of the European giants to go all the way.
Speed, who boasts millions of followers worldwide, made his choice without hesitation when asked to pick his favourites for football’s biggest stage.
Source: Getty Images
iShowSpeed snubs Ghana, predicts World Cup winner
In a viral clip seen by YEN.com.gh, Speed, dressed in a USA home jersey, engaged in a light-hearted exchange with his Ghanaian bodyguard, Rudiger.
When asked who he believed would win the tournament after July 19, Rudi backed Ghana; Speed, however, quickly shut down that suggestion.
He admitted his pride in his Ghanaian heritage but insisted realism pointed elsewhere.
"I'm Ghanaian, but Portugal are winning the [2026] World Cup."
Watch IShowSpeed's 2026 FIFA World Cup prediction, as shared on X:
While many expected his growing connection with Ghana to influence his decision, the 21-year-old instead leaned towards Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal.
The content creator has built strong ties with Ghana in recent months, including a widely publicised visit earlier in January.
During that trip, he toured major cultural sites such as Black Star Square and participated in a traditional naming ceremony with Akuapem chiefs, where he was given the name Barima Kofi Akuffo.
He has also received a Ghanaian passport and frequently showcases elements of the local culture across his platforms, further deepening his link with the country.
Still, his World Cup prediction did not reflect that relationship.
What are Ghana's 2026 World Cup chances?
For Ghana, Speed's comments are unlikely to cause concern.
The Black Stars head into the tournament firmly in underdog territory, ranked among the lowest teams by FIFA heading into the competition.
Drawn in a demanding Group L alongside England, Croatia and Panama, Carlos Queiroz’s side are fully aware that qualification for the knockout stages will require a series of major upsets.
Source: Getty Images
Their preparations have also been far from smooth.
Thomas Partey’s visa setback has already disrupted plans, while injuries to key figures such as Alexander Djiku, Mohammed Salisu and Mohammed Kudus have further complicated matters.
On top of that, Queiroz has had limited time with the team, having managed just one preparatory match ahead of the tournament.
That lack of rhythm has raised questions about cohesion and readiness.
Watch Carlos Queiroz disclosing his ambitions for the World Cup, as shared on X:
According to ESPN, Ghana open their campaign against Panama on June 17 at BMO Field in Toronto before facing sterner tests against England and Croatia.
Which African nations can excel at World Cup?
With expectations intentionally tempered, the Black Stars will be eager to defy the pessimism surrounding them and transform doubt into belief on football's grandest stage.
But which other African nations can excel at this year's global showpiece?
Dennis Seyram Aglago-Cofie admitted that, while his heart leans towards Ghana, the realities surrounding the team make it difficult to back them with confidence.
Speaking exclusively to YEN.com.gh, he said:
"Being a Ghanaian, I would have naturally included the Black Stars on my list, but to be brutally honest, Ghana is no longer considered among the elites, and the statistics make for grim reading. Add the injuries to their first-choice centre-backs and Mohammed Kudus, coupled with their lack of friendly matches, and it makes things difficult from a realistic point of view. But away from Ghana, my picks are Morocco and the Ivory Coast."
When asked why Senegal did not feature among his favourites, Dennis pointed to their inconsistent form heading into the tournament.
"Their form recently has not been good. They struggled against Saudi Arabia and the USA, so it's 50-50 with them. Maybe they make it, maybe they don't."
Supercomputer predicts Ghana's World Cup chances
Earlier, YEN.com.gh reported that Opta’s supercomputer has assessed Ghana’s chances of winning the 2026 World Cup.
The Black Stars go into the competition in North America on a six-match winless run and face a difficult group stage.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
