…As CAF makes other important announcements
By Harry Awurumibe, Editor, Abuja Bureau
The President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Dr Patrice Motsepe Wednesday, stated that he is proud with the performances of the National Teams of the 10 African Countries at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Africa was represented at the FIFA World Cup 2026 by; Algeria, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa and Tunisia.
Nine of the 10 African National Teams, which is 90%, qualified from the Group Stage to the Round of 32 (Knockout Stage) at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
This is remarkable as it is the highest percentage in the history of this competition.
Africa represented 20.8% of the 48 National Teams that participated in the FIFA World Cup 2026 but constituted 28.1% of the National Teams that qualified from the Group Stage to the Round of 32.
This achievement was second only to UEFA, which had 40% of its National Teams qualify from the Group Stage to the Round of 32.
Egypt and Morocco reached the Round of 16. Morocco achieved a remarkable milestone at the FIFA World Cup 2026 by consecutively qualifying for the Quarter Finals.
There were also impressive performances at the FIFA World Cup 2026 by Cabo Verde, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, South Africa, Ghana and Tunisia.
The President of CAF Dr Patrice Motsepe said: “Significant progress and successes were achieved by the African National Teams at the FIFA World Cup 2026 and I am very proud of their performances.
The 9 African National Teams that qualified from the Group Stage to the Round of 32 made history at the FIFA World Cup 2026, as this is 90% of the African National Teams that participated, and is the highest percentage to qualify to date.
“The previous percentages of the African National Teams to qualify to the Knockout Stage were; 40% in 2022, none in 2018 and 40% in 2014. We have also identified specific areas where there is room for improvement and I am confident that the coaches, technical teams and players will implement the necessary improvements.
“This will ensure even greater successes for African National Teams in future FIFA World Cups. CAF will be hosting a conference and will invite the National Team coaches, technical teams, former African National team players and other football experts and stakeholders to evaluate and assess the performances of the African National Teams at the FIFA World Cup 2026, with the objective of making recommendations that will ensure that the African National Teams will be even more successful at the FIFA World Cup 2030.
“We will continue to train and invest in our boys and girls football players, amateur football, professional Football Leagues and our National Teams in each of the 54 African countries to make African Football globally competitive and amongst the best in the world.
“CAF is increasing its funding for the training of coaches at all levels and will be conducting numerous coaching training courses in each of the 6 CAF Regions or Zones on the African Continent. CAF is also focusing on increasing the quality and competitiveness of the CAF African Schools Football Championship as this is an important platform and initiative for the development and growth of African Youth Football.
“We will also strengthen and expand the partnerships between our Member Associations and the Governments and the private sector to develop, support, sponsor and grow football in each of the 54 African countries. These partnerships are also important for building, upgrading and maintaining football infrastructure and facilities in each of our Member Association Countries.
“Every National Team and Football Club must play its matches in their country and in front of their local supporters and fans. It is essential that in each of our 54 Member Association Countries there is a stadium that is at the requisite CAF and FIFA level.
“CAF is making enormous progress in developing and growing men and women football in Africa and making it amongst the best in the world. We remain confident that an African nation will be Champions of the FIFA World Cup.
In another development, CAF boss gave an update on the forthcoming TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda (PAMOJA) 2027, saying that good progress is being made with the preparations for the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON PAMOJA 2027.
The Government of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda are very much committed and cooperating with CAF to ensure that the stadiums, training facilities, accommodation, transport, safety and security, medical services, technology, broadcasting and other infrastructure and facilities are at the requisite levels for a successful AFCON PAMOJA.
Associations interested in hosting AFCON 2028, 2032 and 2036. The bidding process is progressing very well and numerous exciting bids have been submitted by potential host countries. According to him a formal announcements will be made in due course.
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On COMMERCIAL RIGHT INVITATION TO TENDER (ITT) AFCON 2028-2032, Motsepe revealed that CAF is also launching the Commercial Rights Invitation to Tender (“ITT”) for the AFCON 2028, 2032 and 2036.
CAF has received numerous attractive approaches from leading international marketing and commercial rights agencies to partner with CAF on the commercial rights of the AFCON 2028, 2032 and 2036.
The aim of the ITT is to maximise the financial returns and to enhance the overall commercial value of the AFCON Competition with the objective of contributing to the development and growth of football in each of CAF’s 54 Member Associations and of CAF’s Competitions.
