• CAF boss confirms Nigeria’s bid for AFCON hosting right
Confederation of African Football (CAF) President, Patrice Motsepe, believes the continent can produce a FIFA World Cup finalist in 2026.
U.S., Canada and Mexico will co-host the 2026 World Cup, which for the first time will feature 48 teams. And thrilled by Morocco’s performance at the just-concluded World Cup in Qatar, Motsepe told a press conference that the Atlas Lions have opened the door for Africa by reaching the semifinals this month, adding, “I am confident an African nation will go further at the next World Cup.”
Motsepe said: “CAF’s main objective of is for an African nation to win the World Cup and that goal is within reach.
“There are at least 10 African nations that can compete at the highest level and win the World Cup.”He commended Cameroun and Tunisia for their shock group victories over five-time World Cup winners Brazil and twice champions France respectively.
“We should be proud of what Cameroun and Tunisia achieved. These and other African countries must learn from Morocco,” he said.
Motsepe disclosed that a dispute between CAF and sports agency Lagardere had been ‘resolved amicably,’ but refused to give details, citing a confidentiality clause.
Lagardere signed a $1 billion contract with the Cairo-based African football body in 2017, which was supposed to last until 2028.
However, just one year into the television and marketing deal, it was scrapped after two legal judgments said it breached competition rules.
Motsepe confirmed that Nigeria is among countries bidding to host the 2025 African Cup of Nations after Guinea’s recent withdrawal. Other countries interested in the hosting right are Algeria, Benin, Morocco and Zambia.
