FIFA President Gianni Infantino has sent a message to the 10 national teams representing Africa at the 2026 World Cup, with special mention of Senegal and Morocco. Africa will have 10 teams in the tournament, which will be hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, following FIFA's expansion to 48 nations and an increase in CAF's allocation to 10 slots.
African Teams at the 2026 World Cup
As confirmed by CAF, Senegal, Morocco, Egypt, Ghana, Tunisia, Algeria, Cote d'Ivoire, South Africa, and Cape Verde secured automatic qualification, while DR Congo earned their place through the playoffs. This record number of African participants underscores the continent's growing prominence on the global stage, a far cry from the single representative 92 years ago.
South Africa will make history as the first African team to play in the opening match of the World Cup, facing co-hosts Mexico on June 11, 2026. This match is a repeat of the 2010 World Cup opener, which was held exactly 16 years ago when South Africa became the first African nation to host the tournament.
Infantino's Message to African Countries
During a question-and-answer session on Instagram, FIFA President Gianni Infantino was asked whether an African team could win the World Cup. He responded with a definitive answer, expressing strong belief in the continent's potential.
"Definitely, I mean African teams are very, very strong," Infantino said. "Let's not forget we have 10 African teams participating for the first time in history. In the last World Cup, it was only five, now it is 10. Some great, great players."
The Swiss football administrator specifically named Senegal and Morocco as the two teams that come to mind first, but he emphasized that other African teams are equally competitive. "Obviously, you would mention Morocco, you would mention Senegal, but all the other teams are really, really competitive. So, maybe this is the World Cup for African teams," he concluded.
Infantino's Presence at AFCON 2025 Final
Infantino was present at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat, Morocco, on January 18, 2026, when Senegal and Morocco faced off in the controversial AFCON 2025 final. Although Senegal won on the pitch, Morocco successfully appealed and were declared champions. The case remains pending before the Court of Arbitration for Sport. Infantino expressed his displeasure at the unacceptable scenes during the final and called for strict punitive measures against those found guilty.
CAF President's Message to Senegal
In related news, CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe sent a message to the Senegalese Football Federation ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The letter is part of Motsepe's efforts to foster unity in African football after the controversy surrounding the AFCON 2025 final between Senegal and Morocco.
