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FIFA president Gianni Infantino said on Monday
in Abuja that he hopes Africa gets two more spots at the World Cup if
his proposal for the tournament to be expanded to 40 teams at the 2026
World cup goes through.
in Abuja that he hopes Africa gets two more spots at the World Cup if
his proposal for the tournament to be expanded to 40 teams at the 2026
World cup goes through.
There are presently 32 finalists that participate in the World Cup with Africa represented by five teams.
Infantino, elected in February this year, arrived in Abuja on Sunday
on a two-day visit to Nigeria and let Nigerian football stakeholders
know he carries the growth of African football in his heart.
on a two-day visit to Nigeria and let Nigerian football stakeholders
know he carries the growth of African football in his heart.
‘I
believe for the 2026 World Cup, we should have 40 teams and out of the
additional eight teams we should have at least two more African teams,’
Infantino told reporters in Abuja.
believe for the 2026 World Cup, we should have 40 teams and out of the
additional eight teams we should have at least two more African teams,’
Infantino told reporters in Abuja.
‘We are discussing this and I hope I will be able to convince everyone as well.’
‘I
foresee Nigeria as a bedrock for the development of the game in Africa,
however infrastructure, stability and security are needed to make this
happen,’ Infantino added.
foresee Nigeria as a bedrock for the development of the game in Africa,
however infrastructure, stability and security are needed to make this
happen,’ Infantino added.
During his
visit, Infantino met with 18 federation presidents across Africa and
also attended the final of a national youth tournament.
