Infantino: 40 African nations can now host home matches on home soil

FIFA president Gianni Infantino says significant progress has been made in improving football infrastructure across Africa, with 40 of the continent’s 54 nations now able to host international matches on home soil.

Infantino said around 26 African countries were unable to stage their home matches in their own countries about two years ago because their stadiums did not meet the required standards.

That number has now been reduced to 14, with 40 countries having regained the ability to host their national teams at home.

Speaking at the CAF Strategy Conference in Cabo Verde, Infantino described the development as an important step forward for African football.

He said FIFA’s objective was to ensure that every African nation would eventually have a stadium capable of hosting international matches.

“Two years ago, around 26 African countries could not play their home games at home. Today, 40 of the 54 can play at home,” Infantino said.

“That means 14 remain, and we want to make sure that all 54 can play their home games at home.”

The issue of stadium infrastructure has been a longstanding challenge for several African football associations, with countries without approved venues often forced to play home fixtures in neighbouring nations or at neutral venues.

For national teams, playing outside their own country can mean losing the traditional home advantage, while also creating additional logistical and financial challenges for federations, supporters and players.

Infantino said FIFA would continue working with African football authorities and providing support to help the remaining 14 countries meet the required standards.

The progress means an increasing number of African nations are now able to stage international fixtures in front of their own supporters, while FIFA’s longer-term target is for the entire continent to reach that position.

The FIFA president’s comments come as African football continues to invest in stadiums, facilities and other infrastructure as part of efforts to improve the overall standard and organisation of the game on the continent.

For the 14 countries still unable to host matches at home, meeting the necessary infrastructure and safety requirements remains a priority.

Infantino’s message was therefore clear: the progress made so far is significant, but FIFA’s work with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) and national associations will continue until all 54 African nations can host their home matches on home soil.