By Eddah Waithaka
As Portugal prepare for a mouthwatering World Cup Round of 32 clash against Croatia, former defender Abel Xavier delivers a bold message: the dream is alive, and Cristiano Ronaldo’s final shot at immortality starts now.
The FIFA World Cup has a habit of producing unforgettable moments, and this year’s expanded tournament in North America has already delivered drama in abundance. But for Portugal, the real story may only just be beginning.
Speaking exclusively to SuperSport, former Portugal, Liverpool and Everton defender Abel Xavier has declared that his homeland possesses the finest generation of players in its history and believes Cristiano Ronaldo can finally claim football’s ultimate prize.
“I believe Portugal have a great chance,” Xavier says with conviction. “If we are talking about both quantity and quality, Portugal currently has the best generation of players. I believe that if the coach sets up the team properly, considering the number of quality players available, Portugal can achieve the results needed to take them at least to the semi-finals.”
The statement carries weight. Xavier represented Portugal during the country’s transformational era, helping lay the foundations for the golden generation that would follow. Now, he watches a squad blessed with depth across every position, established stars blending seamlessly with emerging talent.
Yet one storyline eclipses all others.
At 41 years old, Cristiano Ronaldo contests what is universally expected to be his final World Cup. The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has conquered club football, lifted the European Championship with Portugal, and shattered countless records. Only one trophy remains beyond his reach.
For Xavier, there could be no more poetic conclusion.
“Unfortunately, over the last few decades, two of the greatest players ever have emerged. Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo. It has often felt like a personal competition between them as well,” reflects Xavier.
“I honestly believe Cristiano wants to finish his career with a major trophy. I think the greatest trophy and the greatest privilege a player can have is winning something with their country. In my opinion, that is the ultimate prize.”
The Road Ahead
Standing in Portugal’s path on Friday morning (01:00 CAT) is a Croatia side renowned for its resilience, tactical discipline, and uncanny ability to thrive in knockout football. The Round of 32 showdown promises to be a battle of contrasting styles. Portugal’s attacking flair against Croatia’s steely determination.
But Xavier warns against focusing solely on the traditional powers. This expanded 48-team World Cup has created an entirely new competitive landscape.
“I think this World Cup is unusual because there are more teams and more unpredictable situations can happen. There are some teams that may not appear capable of competing at the highest level, but they can still surprise people,” he explains.
“If we talk about the physical strength of the African teams, for example, and the pragmatism and tactical discipline of some of the Asian teams, they can also surprise people. Take South Korea, for example. For many people, their performance in the first game was a surprise. For me, it was not a surprise because of the reasons I’ve just mentioned.”
Xavier identifies the traditional powerhouses as the favourites, France, Brazil, Argentina and Spain, but places Portugal and England firmly in the chasing pack capable of disrupting the established order.
Africa in His Blood
For Xavier, this tournament carries deeply personal significance. Born in Mozambique before embarking on a career that took him to some of the biggest clubs in world football, the former defender has returned to Africa as part of the SuperSport broadcasting team. The homecoming has rekindled something profound.
“It’s been awesome. Thank you so much for the way you’ve welcomed me and helped me settle in. Being here has allowed me to reconnect with my roots because Africa is in my heart,” Xavier shares.
“It is wonderful to be here, and I hope Bafana Bafana can bounce back. They didn’t start properly, but I hope the coach will make the right adjustments and guide the team well because they still have an opportunity to recover. It’s not only about qualifying directly; there may still be another route available. I would really, really like to see the African teams do well.”
Africa’s Football Future
Xavier’s belief in African football extends far beyond nostalgia. Watching more African players starring for Europe’s biggest clubs has only strengthened his conviction that the continent’s greatest World Cup moment is approaching.
“The way I see it, there is an important reflection to be made regarding African teams. If African players are individually capable of competing at the highest level and playing for the best clubs in Europe, why are we not consistently seeing stronger national teams? That is something we need to reflect on,” he challenges.
“Secondly, among the African teams, only a few have local coaches. That is another point we need to think about. For example, Ghana appointed Carlos Queiroz after previously having a local coach.”
“When you talk about physicality, tactical awareness and understanding of the game, African teams have improved significantly. If you’re talking about skill, we have everything needed to compete with the very best. For that reason, I believe the moment will come when an African team achieves something truly special.”
Xavier identifies Senegal and Morocco as the African teams currently closest to making that breakthrough. “Based on the work they have done and the models they have implemented, I would say Senegal and Morocco are slightly ahead of the other African teams at this moment.”
Unrivalled Coverage on SuperSport
Throughout the 2026 FIFA World Cup, SuperSport has assembled one of the strongest football broadcasting teams on the continent, bringing together iconic names from across the globe to provide unrivalled analysis, insight and storytelling across all 104 matches.
Alongside Xavier, viewers can enjoy world-class magazine shows, studio discussions, exclusive interviews, and comprehensive pre- and post-match coverage. The broadcast team transforms each match into an immersive experience, revealing the stories, personalities and emotions that define the world’s greatest sporting event.
The Next Chapter
The next chapter arrives on Friday morning when Portugal face Croatia in a high-stakes Round of 32 showdown. For Cristiano Ronaldo, it represents perhaps the final opportunity to capture the one trophy that has always remained just beyond his grasp. For Portugal, it’s the chance to transform their golden generation into world champions.
For Abel Xavier, watching from the SuperSport studio with Africa in his heart and Portugal in his soul, the dream remains alive.
“This is our time,” he seems to say. And for a generation that has waited so long, the moment may finally have arrived.
Watch Portugal vs Croatia LIVE on SuperSport this Friday at 01:00 CAT. SuperSport brings you every moment of the FIFA World Cup—live, unrivalled and in one place.
