Stephen A. Smith criticized for World Cup analysis amid NBA Finals feud

Stephen A. Smith, ESPN commentator, faced backlash during the NBA Finals for his World Cup analysis, where he inaccurately suggested that France would win its first title in 2026. During a segment on "First Take," he drew attention to Kylian Mbappe's performance but overlooked France's prior victories in 1998 and 2018. Analyst Mike Ryan Ruiz highlighted Smith's lack of preparation, urging him to improve his knowledge of France's football history. The criticism follows Smith's ongoing public disputes with President Donald Trump.

• 6:27 PMYahoo Sports — ‘Is It Too Much to Ask?’ — Ex-ESPN Staffer Blasts Stephen A. Smith for Awful World Cup Analysis While Earning ‘$40 Million’