FIFA President Gianni Infantino has made it clear that he is determined to enhance Africa’s presence in global football, particularly with the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon.
President Gianni made this known during the 14th CAF Extraordinary General Assembly, which took place in Cairo and asserted FIFA’s commitment to support Africa’s influence in international football.
As qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup resume this month, African teams are fully engaged in their preparations for the tournament, which will take place in the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
He carefully outlined FIFA’s plans to double Africa’s representation at the 2026 World Cup, increasing the number of African teams from five to ten. This is not merely a proposal; it is a strategic initiative aimed at ensuring African nations have a voice on the global stage.
“In the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Africa could see its representation double to up to 10 teams. The Women’s World Cup and the U17 World Cup are also opening more doors for African talent on the global stage,” Infantino revealed the ever-growing FIFA’s commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunities.
Also, the representation of African teams in the Women’s World Cup is set to expand from three to four or even six teams, with similar growth planned for youth competitions. These massive plans and initiatives are designed to groom talent and establish a more equitable playing field for African nations.
