CAF chief Motsepe points to Morocco as model for Africa’s football growth

Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe has praised Morocco’s football development while calling on other African nations to build on the continent’s historic performance at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Motsepe made the remarks on Thursday during the opening of CAF’s strategic conference on Sal Island in Cape Verde.

The CAF president said Africa’s showing at the 2026 World Cup demonstrated the continent’s growing competitiveness but stressed that African football must now aim beyond simply participating in major tournaments.

He called for African teams to compete consistently for the highest positions and eventually challenge for the World Cup title.

Africa makes history at 2026 World Cup

Africa sent a record 10 national teams to the 2026 World Cup, with nine reaching the knockout stage in an unprecedented collective performance.

Morocco were among the standout sides, reaching the quarter-finals for the second successive World Cup and further strengthening their reputation as one of Africa’s leading football nations.

The Atlas Lions’ progress has come alongside significant investment in football infrastructure and youth development in Morocco.

The country has developed football facilities and youth academies while strengthening the administration and organisation of the sport.

Morocco has also gained considerable experience hosting major international competitions and is preparing to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup with Spain and Portugal.

Morocco’s model attracts attention

The continued development of Moroccan football has increasingly become a reference point in discussions about the future of the game in Africa.

Motsepe’s comments come as CAF brings together football leaders from across the continent to examine how Africa can turn its recent progress into sustained success.

Royal Moroccan Football Federation president Fouzi Lekjaa, who is also CAF’s first vice president, is attending the conference alongside FIFA president Gianni Infantino and other senior football officials.

CAF looks beyond World Cup success

The two-day conference concludes on Friday, 9 October, with participants discussing several areas considered important to the future development of African football.

The agenda includes strengthening national football associations, improving coaching and youth development, and enhancing financial and administrative management.

Delegates are also examining the lessons from the 2026 World Cup and how African football can use its record performance as a foundation for achieving greater success in future international competitions.