Algerian Radio
The President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Dr. Patrice Motsepe, expressed his satisfaction following the qualification of nine of the ten participating African teams for the Round of 32 of the 2026 World Cup (June 11 – July 19).
Out of the ten African teams competing in the World Cup, nine have qualified for the next round. This includes Algeria, which secured its qualification overnight from Saturday to Sunday following a 3-3 draw against Austria at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City.
"On behalf of the 54 Member Associations of CAF, I extend my warmest congratulations to the players, the technical staffs, and the federations of the nine qualified teams. They have made their countries proud, as well as the 1.6 billion Africans and members of the diaspora. This performance confirms that African football is now competitive at the highest global level," he stated, as quoted in a press release published by CAF on its official website.
The head of the continental body attributed this success to the "hard work and investments dedicated to the development of youth football, coach education, professional leagues, and football infrastructure in each of the 54 CAF member associations."
Furthermore, Motsepe praised the commitment of the presidents of the federations involved, their executive committees, as well as the governments that have supported the development of football in their respective countries.
"I also wish to congratulate the Presidents of the nine concerned CAF Member Associations and their Executive Committees, and to thank the African governments for their cooperation and support of the CAF Member Associations in their respective countries. CAF wishes every success to each of the nine African national teams as they continue their journey in the 2026 World Cup, and we are convinced that they will continue to make their countries and Africa extremely proud," he concluded.
