President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe, told a press conference in Johannesburg on Wednesday he believes a team from the continent can reach the 2026 World Cup final.
“Morocco opened the door by reaching the semi-finals this month and I am confident an African nation will go further at the next World Cup,” said the South African billionaire.
“The main objective of CAF is for an African nation to win the World Cup and that goal is within reach.”
There will be nine or 10 African qualifiers for an expanded 48-team 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada and Mexico – up from five in Qatar.
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Morocco made history in Qatar by becoming the first African representatives to reach the semi-finals.
The Atlas Lions stunned Belgium in the group stage, then eliminated two more powerful European sides, Spain and Portugal, in the knockout stage before losing to France in the semi-finals.
“There are at least 10 African nations that can compete at the highest level and win the World Cup,” added Motsepe.
He also hailed Cameroon and Tunisia for shock group victories over five-time World Cup winners Brazil and twice champions France respectively.
“We should be proud of what Cameroon and Tunisia achieved. These and other African countries must learn from Morocco,” said the CAF president.
The shock victories were not enough to get Cameroon and Tunisia past the first round, but Senegal did make the last 16 before being eliminated after a heavy loss to England.
Reigning African champions Senegal suffered a massive pre-tournament blow when star forward Sadio Mane was ruled out by injury.
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