BREAKING NEWS: CAF and all 54 African associations back Infantino for another FIFA term

Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe and the heads of all 54 African football associations have declared their “unanimous and unconditional” support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino to serve another term from 2027.

The declaration was made during the CAF Strategy Conference in Santa Maria, Sal Island, where Dr Motsepe appeared alongside the presidents of Africa’s national football associations.

Motsepe used the gathering to publicly acknowledge Infantino’s contribution to the development of football on the continent.

“Thank you, Gianni Infantino, for all you do for African football,” Motsepe said.

54 African countries say they'll “unanimously and unconditionally" re-elect FIFA President Gianni Infantino in March 2027. pic.twitter.com/msXewrXZr5

— Eric Njiru ⚽️ (@EricNjiiru) October 8, 2026

Infantino, who became FIFA president in 2016, is seeking another mandate that would extend his leadership of world football beyond his current term.

The backing from all 54 CAF member associations represents a significant show of support from Africa, which constitutes one of the largest voting blocs within FIFA’s Congress.

Stronger CAF-FIFA relationship

Relations between FIFA and CAF have become increasingly close during Infantino’s presidency, with the world governing body placing greater emphasis on investment and development across Africa.

FIFA has supported programmes involving football infrastructure, competitions, grassroots development and technical advancement, while African football authorities have also pushed for greater representation and opportunities for the continent at global competitions.

Motsepe has repeatedly stressed the importance of cooperation between CAF and FIFA as African football seeks to improve its infrastructure and strengthen its competitions.

Infantino, meanwhile, has consistently argued for increased investment in African football and greater opportunities for African nations and players.

The expansion of the FIFA World Cup from 32 to 48 teams for the 2026 tournament has been one of the most significant developments during Infantino’s tenure.

Africa now has nine guaranteed places at the expanded World Cup, with another potential place available through the intercontinental play-off tournament.

The increase in African representation has been welcomed by football authorities across the continent and is part of FIFA’s broader push to provide more nations with access to its major competitions.

Africa’s influence in FIFA

The support of all 54 African associations is particularly significant because each CAF member has a vote at the FIFA Congress.

That makes Africa an important bloc in elections for the FIFA presidency and in major decisions concerning the global game.

By publicly declaring their backing for Infantino, the African associations have provided the incumbent with a clear endorsement as preparations for the 2027 FIFA presidential election gather pace.

The declaration also comes at a time when CAF is examining ways to accelerate the development of football across the continent.

Infrastructure remains a major priority, with several African countries still unable to stage international matches in their own stadiums because their venues do not meet CAF or FIFA requirements.

Improving stadiums and training facilities, alongside investment in youth football and the commercial development of competitions, are among the key issues facing African football.

Infantino turns to wider support

Infantino will now look towards securing support from the other continental confederations as the 2027 FIFA presidential race develops.

The endorsement from CAF gives him the backing of all 54 African football associations and underlines the importance of the relationship between FIFA and African football authorities.

For Motsepe and CAF, the declaration also reinforces the message that cooperation with FIFA remains central to efforts to develop the game across the continent.

With Africa continuing to seek greater investment, improved infrastructure and increased opportunities on the international stage, the relationship between the two governing bodies is likely to remain an important issue in the build-up to the 2027 FIFA presidential election.