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FIFA President Gianni Infantino has reaffirmed world football’s commitment to Africa, announcing that the FIFA Forward Programme will have delivered an estimated USD 1.28 billion in support to the continent by the end of 2026.
Speaking at the 47th CAF Ordinary General Assembly in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, Infantino said the investment which began with the launch of FIFA Forward in 2016 has transformed African football through funding infrastructure, competitions, and operational costs for all 54 African member associations.
“The responsibility we all share is to give dreams, chances, and hope to the children of Africa,” Infantino told delegates. “We may not all become legends like Eto’o, Adebayor, or El Hadji Diouf, but we must work tirelessly to make those dreams possible.”
Between 2016 and September 2025, FIFA’s Forward investments in Africa have reached USD 1.06 billion, with the figure projected to grow to USD 1.28 billion by the end of the current four-year cycle. Of that, USD 1.08 billion has gone directly to the 54 African football associations.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe praised FIFA’s continued backing, particularly its organization of the expanded FIFA Club World Cup 2025, which will feature four African clubs Al Ahly (Egypt), Espérance de Tunis (Tunisia), Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa), and Wydad AC (Morocco) competing against some of the world’s best.
Patrice Motsepe addressing the Assembly.
Infantino noted with pride that players from 19 African nations had already featured in the FIFA Club World Cup, including nine countries yet to appear at a FIFA World Cup: Burkina Faso, Congo, Gabon, Guinea, Mali, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, and Uganda.
“It was a huge success this summer,” he said. “Four African teams represented the continent, but what mattered even more was that African talent was present among the 32 clubs from around the world.”
Beyond infrastructure and competition, FIFA is also expanding development pathways for young African players.
The Football for Schools programme is now active in over 40 African nations, while plans are underway to establish 20 to 30 FIFA Academies across the continent by 2027 under the Talent Development Scheme (TDS).
Africa’s representation on the global stage continues to grow with up to 10 African teams set to play at the FIFA World Cup 2026, and 10 teams each at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2025 and FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Morocco 2025.
Motsepe lauded the collaboration between CAF and FIFA: “The FIFA Club World Cup gave our clubs the opportunity to compete and prove themselves globally. We’re grateful to Gianni for his leadership and for the sacrifices made to uplift African football.”
Closing his address, Infantino urged African football leaders to remain united in vision and purpose.
“Unity is our strength,” he said. “If we stay united as Africa, CAF and FIFA, the future of African football will be bright, powerful, and full of hope.”
