Story by Lawrence Trusida, Sports Editor
CONFEDERATION of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe says Africa is closer than ever to producing a FIFA World Cup champion following the continent’s strongest-ever performance at the 2026 global tournament.
Speaking at a media briefing in Johannesburg, South Africa, Motsepe hailed Africa’s campaign after nine of the continent’s 10 representatives progressed to the Round of 32.
He said the performances have strengthened CAF’s long-term ambition of seeing an African nation lift the FIFA World Cup trophy, while calling for sustained investment in youth development and football infrastructure.
“Our clear objective, and we are now more confident than ever before coming from the FIFA World Cup, is to see an African nation becoming champions of the world,” Motsepe said.
The CAF president urged governments and the private sector to continue investing in football development to build on the continent’s recent progress and turn its World Cup ambitions into reality.