Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe has commended Morocco's football experience and encouraged African countries to build on their recent success at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Speaking at the opening of CAF's strategic conference on Sal Island in Cape Verde, Motsepe highlighted the progress made by African teams in the tournament. He emphasized that African football should no longer be satisfied with simply participating in major international tournaments.
African teams made history at the 2026 World Cup, with 10 national teams representing the continent and nine of them reaching the knockout stage. This collective performance marked an unprecedented achievement for African football. Morocco was among the standout teams, with the Atlas Lions reaching the quarter-finals for the second consecutive World Cup. This reinforced their position among the continent's leading sides.
Morocco's continued progress in football has coincided with significant developments in the country's football infrastructure and development system. The country has invested heavily in football facilities and youth development centers, while strengthening the management of the sport. Morocco has also gained experience in hosting major international competitions, which has attracted attention within African football discussions.
The Moroccan experience is particularly relevant as the country prepares to co-host the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal. CAF's strategic conference brings together key figures in African and international football to discuss the future development of African football. The conference focuses on issues such as national football associations, training and youth development, and financial and administrative management.
Participants at the conference, including Royal Moroccan Football Federation President Fouzi Lekjaa and FIFA President Gianni Infantino, are expected to examine the lessons from the 2026 World Cup. They will consider how African football can turn its recent progress into sustainable results in future international competitions. The conference aims to identify strategies for African teams to compete for top positions and challenge for the FIFA World Cup title.
Motsepe's comments reflect the growing ambitions of African football, which is no longer satisfied with simply participating in major tournaments. African teams are now aiming to compete at the highest level and achieve lasting success. The CAF president's call to action is expected to shape the future of African football and drive progress in the sport.
The strategic conference concludes on Friday, October 9, after a two-day meeting. The discussions and outcomes are expected to have a significant impact on the development of African football, with a focus on building on the gains made at the 2026 World Cup. African football is poised to take a significant step forward, with Morocco's experience serving as a model for other countries to follow.
Key points
- CAF President Patrice Motsepe urges African teams to aim for top positions in international tournaments.
- Morocco's football progress has coincided with significant developments in the country's football infrastructure and development system.
- African teams made history at the 2026 World Cup, with 10 national teams representing the continent and nine of them reaching the knockout stage.
