The Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Dr Patrice Motsepe has sent a formal letter to the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF) ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The tournament, which will be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, is scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, marking the first edition co-hosted by three nations.
Africa's Representation at the 2026 World Cup
Africa will have ten representatives at the expanded 48-nation tournament, second only to Europe, which has 16 participating countries. According to CAF, Senegal, Morocco, Egypt, Algeria, Ghana, Tunisia, Cote d'Ivoire, South Africa, and debutant Cape Verde secured automatic qualification slots. The Democratic Republic of Congo qualified through the intercontinental playoff, overcoming Cameroon, Nigeria, and Jamaica along the way.
Motsepe's Message to Senegal
CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe wrote to the Senegalese Football Federation, addressing President Abdoulaye Fall. The FSF published the letter on its official website on June 7, 2026, just days before the World Cup kick-off.
“On behalf of the CAF Member Federations representing 54 African countries, we wish the Lions of Teranga every success at the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” the letter reads. “The Lions of Teranga have, on numerous occasions, made the Senegalese people and the entire continent proud with their victories and outstanding performances. We are confident that they will once again proudly represent Senegal and the 1.6 billion Africans at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. May Allah continue to guide and bless the Lions of Teranga.”
Background on CAF's Unity Efforts
Motsepe has been working to foster deeper unity in African football following the chaos that emerged after the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. CAF's Appeal Board stripped Senegal of the title after Morocco appealed the initial verdict, citing ugly incidents during the 2025 final. Motsepe visited both Senegal and Morocco, addressing press conferences in each country and urging calm as the legal battle continues.
Senegal remains in possession of the trophy, medals, and prize money, while Morocco also claims the title of African champion following the verdict. The Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) in Lausanne, Switzerland, is expected to issue a final ruling later this year, which would bring the saga to a close. Motsepe has promised that CAF will respect whatever verdict CAS passes, after conflicting judgments from two bodies within the organization.
CAF's Support for Senegal
CAF previously released a statement praising Senegal's contributions to African football and backing the Teranga Lions as one of the teams capable of making a deep run at the 2026 World Cup. The organization expressed confidence in Senegal's ability to represent the continent proudly on the global stage.
