CAF President Patrice Motsepe Aims for African Team to Win 2026 World Cup

In a recent interview with France 24, Patrice Motsepe, the President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), expressed his ambitious goal for an African national team to become the champion of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Motsepe's statement reflects his confidence in the bright future and potential of African football on the global stage.

During the interview, Motsepe highlighted the significant successes achieved by African football, particularly during the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations held in Côte d'Ivoire. He noted that the tournament was the most successful in the history of African football, generating $80 million in revenue and attracting over 2 billion television viewers worldwide. These impressive figures demonstrate the growing popularity and reach of African football.

Why this matters: Motsepe's ambitious goal for an African team to win the 2026 World Cup underscores the rising prominence and competitiveness of African football on the international stage. The success of the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations showcases the continent's ability to host major tournaments and attract global attention, setting the stage for future growth and achievements.

Motsepe acknowledged that when he became the head of CAF in 2021, he found "fundamental problems" in terms of governance, auditing, and transparency within the organization. His mission has involved regaining the trust of sponsors and partners to ensure the continued development and success of African football.

Looking ahead, Motsepe did not rule out the possibility of running for a second term as CAF president. However, he emphasized that his primary goal is to establish a solid foundation and leadership team that can continue the "good work" done during his tenure.

Addressing recent controversies, Motsepe rejected accusations of defamation from Cameroon's football federation president Samuel Eto'o. He also stated that CAF is taking the allegations of sexual abuse involving several youth football team coaches in Gabon very seriously.

As African football continues to make strides on the global stage, Motsepe's leadership and vision aim to propel the continent's teams to new heights. With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon, the dream of an African champion has never been closer. Motsepe's unwavering belief in the potential of African football sets the stage for an exciting and transformative era in the sport's history on the continent.

Key Takeaways

• CAF president Motsepe aims for African team to win 2026 World Cup.
• 2024 Africa Cup of Nations was most successful, generating $80M revenue.
• Motsepe addressing CAF's governance issues to regain trust of sponsors.
• Motsepe may run for second term, but priority is building strong leadership.
• CAF taking allegations of sexual abuse in Gabon youth teams seriously.