2026 FIFA World Cup: 'Let’s stop rooting against South Africa' — Michael Blackson to Africans

Ghanaian-American comedian Michael Blackson has called on Africans to stop rooting against South Africa in the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup.

His comments follow online reactions in which some African social media users supported Mexico against South Africa in their opening group match on Thursday, June 11.

The match, which ended 2-0 in favour of the co-hosts, saw South Africa reduced to nine men after receiving two red cards, while Mexico also finished with 10 players following a sending-off.

The anti-South Africa sentiment is linked to xenophobic incidents and anti-immigration protests in South Africa that have affected African migrants.

However, speaking in a social media video seen by ModernGhana News on Friday, Blackson urged Africans to rise above divisions and support one another on the global stage.

He questioned the growing hostility among Africans toward South Africa, cautioning that division weakens the continent’s collective strength.

"How did the whole Africa go against South Africa? What went wrong?" he asked.

He stressed that Africans must avoid allowing external forces to deepen internal divisions, insisting that unity remains essential.

"We cannot allow other people to turn us against each other. We are one," he stated.