Africa: "To shine at a world stage, the work has to start now" (Gianni Infantino, FIFA)

"In order for African teams not only to participate, but to shine at a world stage, the work has to start now. Africa should be united to get back what it has given to global football, and this can only happen if we all work together," said Gianni Infantino, FIFA president, at the Council of Southern African Football Associations' (COSAFA) annual general assembly in Johannesburg (South Africa) on 21/02/2021.

The president of the International Federation pointed out that in 2026, the number of African teams in the World Cup finals will increase from five to nine or ten (with the total number of participants rising from 32 to 48): "Doubling the number of teams participating in the World Cup is crucial because it can have an impact on youth and the entire football community as it gives many more countries a concrete chance to qualify. This can trigger investments from governments and the private sector, which can help the member associations further develop football in their respective countries."

South Africa is one of the stops on Gianni Infantino's tour of Africa, which began in…