FIFA President Gianni Infantino has reaffirmed world football’s commitment to Africa, announcing that the FIFA Forward Programme will deliver an estimated USD 1.28 billion in support to the continent by the end of 2026.
Speaking at the 47th CAF Ordinary General Assembly in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Infantino revealed that FIFA has already invested over USD 1 billion in African football since 2016 through CAF, regional bodies, and all 54 Member Associations.
“Football has a responsibility to give hope and dreams to the children of Africa,” Infantino told delegates, urging unity across the continent.
“We must keep working to give every young African player a chance to dream.”
CAF President Patrice Motsepe applauded FIFA’s continued partnership and highlighted the growing global presence of African clubs.
He welcomed the inclusion of Al Ahly, Espérance de Tunis, Mamelodi Sundowns, and Wydad AC at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, calling it “a great platform to showcase African talent.”
Infantino noted that players from 19 African nations have now featured in the Club World Cup, including nine such as Uganda, Tanzania, and Mali that have yet to play at a FIFA World Cup™.
Looking ahead, Africa’s representation will continue to grow, with up to ten teams set to compete at the 2026 FIFA World Cup™, ten at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025™, and five at the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2025™ in Morocco.
Through the FIFA Talent Development Scheme, between 20 and 30 academies are planned across Africa by 2027, complementing the Football for Schools programme, which already operates in over 40 nations.
Infantino closed with a call for unity and purpose:
“Let’s continue to unite Africa and African football. Together, we can build a bright future for generations to come.”
