Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Dr. Patrice Motsepe has hailed a historic FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign for African football, praising the outstanding performances of the continent’s 10 representatives while unveiling a series of major developments aimed at strengthening the future of the game across Africa.
Following a landmark tournament that saw African teams rewrite history on the global stage, Dr. Motsepe highlighted record-breaking knockout-stage qualification numbers, increased investment in women’s football, future AFCON hosting plans, and CAF’s continued commitment to improving football infrastructure across the continent.
Africa Makes History at FIFA World Cup 2026
The expanded FIFA World Cup 2026 provided Africa with its biggest-ever opportunity on football’s greatest stage, and the continent responded with a remarkable display of strength.
Of the 10 African nations that competed — Algeria, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa, and Tunisia — an incredible nine teams progressed from the group stage to the Round of 32.
The achievement represents a record-breaking 90% qualification rate, the highest in African World Cup history, surpassing previous performances in 2014 and 2022, when only 40% of African teams advanced beyond the group phase.
Although African nations represented 20.8% of the 48-team tournament field, they accounted for 28.1% of the teams in the knockout rounds, ranking second only to UEFA.
Among the standout performers were Egypt and Morocco, who reached the Round of 16, while Morocco continued their remarkable rise by securing back-to-back FIFA World Cup quarter-final appearances.
Reflecting on the historic achievement, Dr. Motsepe praised the progress made by African football.
“The 9 African National Teams that qualified from the Group Stage to the Round of 32 made history. Significant progress and successes were achieved. We remain confident that an African nation will be Champions of the FIFA World Cup.”
To build on this momentum, CAF confirmed plans to organize a major technical evaluation conference involving national team coaches, technical directors, former players, and football experts. The objective will be to analyze Africa’s World Cup performance and develop recommendations ahead of the FIFA World Cup 2030.
CAF Doubles WAFCON Winner’s Prize Money in Women’s Football Revolution
In another historic move, CAF announced a significant financial boost for women’s football through the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The tournament’s financial rewards have been dramatically increased as CAF continues its mission to accelerate the growth and professionalization of the women’s game.
The key changes include:
- WAFCON Winner’s Prize Money: Increased by 100% to USD $2 million.
- Total Tournament Prize Pool: Increased by 67% to USD $5.8 million, up from USD $3.475 million.
- Runner-Up Prize Money: Increased by 50% to USD $750,000.
- Third-Place Prize Money: Increased by 43%.
- Participation Allowance: Each of the 16 participating nations will now receive USD $150,000, representing a 20% increase.
Under Dr. Motsepe’s leadership, the WAFCON champions’ prize money has experienced a staggering 900% increase, rising from USD $200,000 to USD $2 million.
The move represents CAF’s commitment to creating stronger opportunities, better preparation, and greater financial sustainability for women’s football across Africa.
CAF Reveals AFCON Roadmap and Future Hosting Plans
The CAF Executive Committee also provided important updates regarding upcoming Africa Cup of Nations tournaments and continental football administration.
AFCON PAMOJA 2027 Preparation on Track
Preparations for AFCON PAMOJA 2027, jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, are progressing well.
CAF confirmed that the three host nations continue to receive strong government support as they upgrade stadium facilities, accommodation, transport systems, and broadcast infrastructure ahead of the tournament.
Future AFCON Bidding Process Begins
The bidding processes for hosting the AFCON 2028, 2032, and 2036 editions have officially commenced, with several CAF Member Associations expressing interest in bringing the continent’s biggest football tournament to their countries.
Commercial Rights Strategy Expanded
CAF has also launched an Invitation to Tender (ITT) process for the commercial rights covering the 2028, 2032, and 2036 AFCON tournaments.
The objective is to maximize revenue generation and ensure that increased investment continues flowing into football development programmes, grassroots initiatives, and infrastructure projects across all 54 CAF member nations.
Nigeria to Host CAF General Assembly
Nigeria has been selected as the host nation for the 48th CAF Ordinary General Assembly, which will take place in Abuja on November 21, 2026.
The gathering will bring together football leaders from across Africa to discuss the next phase of continental football development.
CAF Pushes for World-Class Infrastructure Across Africa
Closing his address, Dr. Motsepe emphasized that the future success of African football depends on stronger domestic competitions, improved facilities, and greater engagement between teams and their supporters.
CAF is increasing investment in coaching education programmes across all six continental zones while continuing to expand initiatives such as the CAF African Schools Football Championship.
Dr. Motsepe stressed the importance of national teams and clubs playing in front of their home supporters, stating:
“Every National Team and Football Club must play its matches in their country and in front of their local supporters.”
The CAF President reiterated that all 54 African football nations must continue developing modern stadiums and facilities that meet CAF and FIFA standards.
With record-breaking World Cup performances, increased investment in women’s football, and ambitious development plans, African football enters a new era of growth and global ambition.
