'IT COULD FINALLY BE ENGLAND'S TIME': BERBATOV'S WORLD CUP VERDICT AS FOOTBALL'S BIGGEST STAGE COMES ALIVE
staff writer | Friday June 26, 2026 15:07
_SuperSport World Cup analyst __DIMITAR BERBATOV__ believes England may
finally be ready to end decades of hurt, while backing Africa's
representatives to write new chapters of their own at the FIFA World
Cup._
24 JUNE 2026- There is something fitting about listening to Dimitar
Berbatov analyse football.
The elegance that defined his playing career has followed him into
television. Every answer is measured. Every observation deliberate.
Like the first touch that made him one of Europe's most admired
forwards, Berbatov rarely wastes a movement or a word.
And when asked which nation he believes could finally lift the trophy,
Berbatov barely hesitates.
“I'm a bit biased because of my journey and career in England,” he
smiles.
'At the same time, I think they deserve it because they have reached
two finals in recent years. They also have a great history and have won
the World Cup before.”
“In a way, it feels like it could be their time, if that sounds
right. At least that's how I see it. That's why I support them and why
I'm rooting for them.”
It is a prediction built as much on emotion as football logic.
England's near misses have become one of modern football's defining
narratives, but Berbatov believes Thomas Tuchel has inherited a squad
capable of finally taking the last step.
That does not mean the road will be straightforward.
“Of course, I am aware that France, Spain, Argentina with Messi,
Portugal with Cristiano Ronaldo, the Netherlands, and perhaps a few
surprise nations will also be there,” he says.
“Everyone will be trying to take the World Cup away from
Argentina.”
His loyalties, however, are split between the country that shaped much
of his career and the region that shaped his life.
“As for the Balkan nations, I support Croatia and Bosnia and
Herzegovina because we are like brothers. But England is my footballing
crush. I support them and I root for them.”
Football fans can see whether Berbatov's prediction gathers momentum
when England face Ghana tonight, with kick-off at 22:00, live on
SuperSport as part of the broadcaster's comprehensive coverage of every
match at the FIFA World Cup.
_Dimitar Berbatov from Manchester United FC United FC during the MTN
Football Invitational match between Ajax Cape Town and Manchester United
from Cape Town Stadium on July 21, 2012 in Cape Town, South Africa.Photo
by Luke Walker / Gallo Images_
While England may have captured his imagination, Berbatov is equally
eager to see Africa continue its remarkable rise on the global stage.
The continent arrives at this World Cup carrying greater expectation
than ever before following Morocco's historic run to the semi-finals
four years ago.
Berbatov believes that achievement has changed perceptions.
“Morocco is obviously a team that has done very well, particularly at
the last World Cup where they reached the semi-finals,” he says.
“The game I watched against Brazil convinced me that they are trying
to build on that success because they played with so much confidence and
belief.”
“They wanted to show Brazil that they were not intimidated and were
ready to test themselves against one of the biggest teams in the world.
That's what you want to see on the pitch.”
His message to Africa's ten representatives is simple.
“Well, I wish them luck.”
South Africa's opening results may not have gone according to plan, but
Berbatov believes tournaments are rarely won or lost in a single match.
“Obviously, South Africa did not start in the best possible way, but
it's not the end of the world because there are still more games to
play. Pick yourselves up, stay together as a team and as a family.”
“The nation must do the same. Don't point fingers or place blame;
that's the easiest thing to do. Instead, stay united and learn from your
mistakes.”
_Tamsanqa Teyise with a tackle on Dimitar Berbatov during the MTN
Football Invitational match between Amazulu and Manchester United from
Moses Mabhida Stadium on July 18, 2012 in Durban, South Africa.Photo by
Steve Haag / Gallo Images_
For Berbatov, belief remains football's greatest currency.
“At the same time, I wish all of the African teams good luck. It
won't be easy, but sometimes things that seem difficult are not as
difficult as they appear. You just need to try.”
Away from the cameras, Berbatov has once again found himself embraced
by South African football supporters, something he says never goes
unnoticed.
“Well, I cannot complain. Everybody has been so welcoming and is
always trying to make sure that everything is good for me and for my
colleagues who are commentating as well. It is always good to come back
to places where I have been before, or even to visit new places.”
“It is rewarding because it means I must have done something right in
my career. People remember that, people appreciate it, and I entertained
them on the pitch. Now, in a way, they are paying me back by showing me
hospitality and making sure that I am well looked after.”
_Dimitar Berbatov during the MTN Football Invitational match between
Amazulu and Manchester United from Moses Mabhida Stadium on July 18,
2012 in Durban, South Africa.Photo by Steve Haag / Gallo Images_
Few players remain as synonymous with effortless football as Berbatov,
but even now the conversation inevitably returns to Old Trafford.
Although he proudly speaks of every club that shaped his career,
Manchester United remains the place where everything came together.
“I respect and love all my former teams, if I am being honest,
because each of them gave me something in football. But, of course, my
greatest success and personal achievement was at Manchester United.”
His journey from Bulgaria to one of the biggest clubs in world football
remains a source of immense pride.
“Coming from a small country like Bulgaria and making my way to Old
Trafford was a journey that required discipline. Obviously, I had
talent, but it also took consistency and the ability not to give up in
difficult situations.”
“I enjoyed every moment of it, even the difficult ones.”
Like millions around the world, he still watches every United result
with equal measures of hope and frustration.
“Manchester United is the team that most people associate me with. I
still follow them closely. I still get angry when they do not do well,
and I am happy when they do well. I also cannot wait for the new season,
when we will once again be back in the Champions League.”
If there is one image that continues to define Berbatov's career, it is
his first touch.
Even now, at 45, it remains something he refuses to neglect.
“Well, look, I'm getting old,' he laughs.
'But I still train my first touch because if a young player challenges
me back home, I still need to hold my ground.”
What appeared effortless on television was, in reality, built through
relentless repetition.
“It's not easy because the body is different from it was before.
However, I was known for my first touch, and I worked on it constantly,
every day. Sometimes it was very boring, but it paid off in the end.”
“A good first touch is one of the best weapons a footballer can have.
If you know how to control the ball properly, it speeds up your
decision-making because you're confident in your connection with the
ball. That allows you to start thinking immediately about your next
option.”
It is the same philosophy he believes applies to every aspiring
footballer.
_Dimitar Berbatov during the MTN Football Invitational match between
Amazulu and Manchester United from Moses Mabhida Stadium on July 18,
2012 in Durban, South Africa.Photo by Steve Haag / Gallo Images_
“Sometimes you need to work smart, not just hard. Other times you
need to work hard and remain consistent with your strengths. Continue
improving those strengths, but don't forget about your weaknesses
either.”
“If you do that, hopefully you'll be ready when the moment arrives,
and you'll be able to shine.”
With every one of the tournament's 104 matches live on SuperSport, one
of the game's smoothest operators now has the best seat in the house —
and, as ever, plenty worth listening to.
WHERE TO WATCH THE FIFA WORLD CUP 2026™
Fans can watch every FIFA World Cup 2026™ match live on DStv Premium,
Compact Plus, Compact, Family and Access. All matches are also available
to stream on supported packages, ensuring flexible viewing options
wherever you are.
• DStv Stream Access: Starts from P140 per month.
• DStv Access (Decoder): Starts from P140 per month.
_MEDIA NOTE:__ All quotes provided in this release are free for
editorial use, provided they are attributed to SuperSport._