Gianni Infantino Praises Africa: “Our best players are now among the best in the world – they will shine at the World Cup!” FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised African football, stating that the continent’s best players can now compete with the world’s top players. Infantino proudly stated that he has witnessed firsthand the remarkable progress of African football in recent years, which is truly inspiring. The world football leader pointed out that the technical level, athleticism, discipline, and tactical intelligence displayed by African players now enable the continent to compete at the highest level. Infantino confidently declared, “African football’s elite players are now among the world’s best.” He praised the continuous investment made by numerous African countries in youth development, infrastructure construction, and coach training, noting that these improvements are changing the global football landscape. Infantino expressed his “great pride” in the progress made by African football. He emphasized that the world is increasingly appreciating and respecting the level of African football.
Looking ahead to the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Africa sending more teams due to the new qualifying format, Infantino is full of confidence in the participating teams.
He predicts that African teams will not only perform well but also have the potential to achieve unprecedented success in the competition. “African teams will succeed in the upcoming World Cup,” he asserted, emphasizing the continent’s growing competitiveness and confidence. In recent years, African football has achieved a series of significant accomplishments, most notably Morocco’s historic run to the semi-finals in the last World Cup, and Infantino’s comments have further enhanced Africa’s global reputation. With increased participation, stronger teams, and accumulated experience, high hopes are placed on Africa’s return to the world stage.
As expectations grow, the message from one of the most influential figures in football is clear:
Africa is no longer a weakling, but a strong contender for the championship.
