Sports Desk Reporter
CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe has hailed Africa’s showing at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
He described the performances of the continent’s national teams as another sign of the growth of African football on the global stage.
Ten African nations qualified for the expanded tournament, with Algeria, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa and Tunisia representing the continent.
Nine of those teams advanced beyond the group stage to the Round of 32. According to CAF, that 90% success rate is the best Africa has achieved at a FIFA World Cup.
Morocco and Egypt progressed to the Round of 16. Morocco also reached the quarter finals for the second successive tournament.
Cabo Verde, Senegal, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo, South Africa, Ghana and Tunisia were also recognised for their campaigns.
Motsepe said the performances reflected the continued improvement of African football, while highlighting areas that still need attention.
“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. 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. The objective is to make recommendations that will ensure 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. This will 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. It will conduct numerous coaching training courses in each of the six CAF regions 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 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’s and women’s 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,” Motsepe said.