World Cup 2026: Alex Mwakideu says Africa is rising high as Burna Boy shines at FIFA tournament
By Valerian Khakayi, June 12, 2026Media personality Alex Mwakideu has expressed optimism about Africa’s growing influence on the global football stage, saying the continent is rising high during the ongoing FIFA World Cup tournament.
His Friday, June 12, 2026, remarks come after Nigerian music star Burna Boy performed at the World Cup opening ceremony alongside international pop icon Shakira, a moment that highlighted Africa’s increasing presence in global entertainment and sports events.
According to Mwekideu, the performance was widely celebrated, with Burna Boy’s mother also joining in the celebration, expressing pride after witnessing her son take to one of the world’s biggest stages.
“Burna Boy alikuwa kwa opening ceremony akipiga na Shakira, mamake burna boy alimucelebrate burna boy sana kumwona mtoto wake amepanda katika jukwa la kimataifa ana perform,” Mwakideu said.
Mwakideu noted that Africa’s participation in the tournament reflects significant progress, especially as this edition of the World Cup features a record number of African teams.
He emphasised that for the first time, ten African teams are competing, a major milestone for the continent in global football.
“Africa is rising, and it is rising high; for the first time in the World Cup, iko na team kumi za Africa,” he added.
However, he also acknowledged a challenging start for some teams, pointing out South Africa’s heavy defeat to Mexico in their opening match, which served as a reminder of the competitiveness of the global stage.
“Ingawaje South Africa walituanzia vibaya kwa kupigwa mbili mtungi na Mexico,” he said.
South Africa vs Mexico
South Africa suffered a chaotic 2-0 defeat to hosts Mexico at the Estadio Azteca on Thursday, June 11, finishing the match with nine men after both Themba Zwane and Sphephelo ‘Yaya’ Sithole were shown red cards.
The team’s goalkeeper Ronwen Williams insisted that Bafana Bafana still have everything to play for, despite a gruelling start to their 2026 World Cup campaign.
The mistake-riddled loss left South Africa rooted to the bottom of their group, which also has South Korea and the Czech Republic, who are playing out in the other group clash currently ongoing.
Reflecting on the defeat, the Mamelodi Sundowns shot-stopper admitted that conceding early completely derailed their tactical masterplan.
“We did not want to concede in the first 20 minutes, but that is exactly what happened,” Williams said.
“We wanted to control our nerves, but we lacked composure in the final third and lost key players to red cards. Still, we cannot give up. We have two games to go, and we have to keep hope alive.”