Patrice Motsepe, President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), praised how African nations performed at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
He called the record number of teams a big achievement, but said the main goal is still to see Africa win its first World Cup title.
A record 10 African nations took part in the tournament, the most in the continent’s history. Several teams stood out, with Morocco and Egypt making it to the quarter-finals.
Looking back on the tournament, Motsepe said he was pleased with how African football has grown. He also shared that CAF will talk with players and other important groups to find ways to build on this success.
“I am proud of the African teams’ participation in the World Cup. We will meet with players to see how we can improve and work towards having an African team become World Cup champions in the future,” Motsepe told beIN Sports.
Motsepe believes Africa has the talent to compete with the world’s best teams. However, he said that steady investment in player development, facilities, coaching, and planning is needed to catch up with football’s top nations.
Morocco kept up their strong run by reaching the quarter-finals, following their historic semi-final spot at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar. Egypt also had a great tournament, making it far into the knockout rounds.
Not every African team had the same success. Tunisia was knocked out in the group stage, and the other African teams were eliminated in the Round of 32.
Even with these setbacks, Motsepe thinks the teams’ performances show that African football is making steady progress. The record number of teams and their growing strength support the need for more investment in youth programs, local leagues, coaching, and facilities.
CAF has always aimed to see an African nation win the FIFA World Cup, something that has not happened since the tournament began in 1930.
As African teams get closer to matching the world’s best, Motsepe believes winning the World Cup is becoming more possible.
CAF plans to keep working with its member associations, players, and experts on a long-term plan to help African football achieve even more success worldwide.
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