CAF president Patrice Motsepe reiterates Africa’s ambition to win the World Cup

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe has reiterated his ambition to see an African nation lift the FIFA World Cup, insisting that the continent has the talent and potential to reach the highest level of international football.

Motsepe made the remarks during CAF’s strategy conference, where discussions focused on the future development of football across the continent and the governing body’s plans for the next stage of its growth.

“An African team must win the World Cup,” Motsepe said during his address.

The CAF president has consistently expressed his desire to see an African country break new ground at the World Cup, with the continent yet to produce a finalist since the tournament began.

Africa’s best World Cup performances have come from Morocco, who became the first African nation to reach the semi-finals in 2022.

Motsepe also reaffirmed CAF’s support for FIFA president Gianni Infantino ahead of the upcoming FIFA presidential elections.

“We reiterate our full support for Gianni Infantino in the upcoming FIFA elections,” he said.

Attention at the conference also turned to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

While acknowledging that challenges remain in preparing for major tournaments, Motsepe expressed confidence that the next edition of the continental championship will be successfully delivered.

“Challenges are always present in the Africa Cup of Nations, but we are confident of the success of the next edition, which will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda,” he added.

CAF has been working with the three host nations on infrastructure, stadiums, training facilities, transport and other tournament requirements ahead of the competition.

Motsepe further stressed the importance of strengthening governance and officiating as part of CAF’s broader development programme.

“We continue to work on enhancing transparency within the Confederation of African Football, along with qualifying and developing referees,” he said.

The CAF president’s comments underline the organisation’s focus on improving the continent’s football structures while also raising Africa’s ambitions on the global stage.

For Motsepe, the ultimate objective remains clear: developing African football to a level where a national team can eventually go all the way and win the World Cup.