CAF president Patrick Motsepe says an African nation can win the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a view supported by former Senegal forward El Hadji Diouf.
The 2026 tournament will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with the final scheduled for July 19 near New York. Motsepe, 64, told AFP he is confident the 10 African teams that qualify will “make us proud” and that one could become champions.
He added that Morocco’s run to the semi-finals at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar changed perceptions, proving African sides “can match the best in the world.”
Diouf, a former Liverpool striker, echoed Motsepe’s position in comments to AFP. When asked if an African captain could lift the trophy, he replied, “Why not?” He pointed to Senegal’s squad, citing players such as Sadio Mané, Idrissa Gueye, and Édouard Mendy, saying they “can match stars from any country.” Diouf stated that African teams are entering the 2026 tournament to win it. Motsepe said he will “work relentlessly” until an African captain wins football’s top prize.
Not all former players share that certainty. Nigeria great Jay-Jay Okocha expressed doubt about an African victory in 2026. The expanded 48-team format guarantees Africa 10 spots at the tournament, up from five in 2022.
No African team has reached a World Cup final. Morocco’s fourth-place finish in 2022 remains the continent’s best result.