By: Kwame Bediako
FIFA President Gianni Infantino has reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening Africa’s presence on the global football stage, particularly ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking at the 14th CAF Extraordinary General Assembly in Cairo, Infantino emphasized FIFA’s dedication to enhancing Africa’s role in international football. With qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup set to resume later this month, African teams are gearing up for the prestigious tournament, which will be hosted across the United States, Mexico and Canada.
Infantino outlined FIFA’s ambitious plans to double Africa’s representation at the 2026 World Cup, potentially increasing the number of African teams from five to up to 10. This move is part of a broader strategy to give African nations a stronger voice in global football.
“In the next 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, underscoring FIFA’s commitment to inclusivity and equal opportunities.
The Women’s World Cup and the U17 World Cup are set to open more doors for African players. Specifically, Africa’s representation in the Women’s World Cup could increase from three to four or even six teams, with similar expansions planned for youth competitions. These initiatives aim to nurture talent and create a more level playing field for African nations.
