Infantino reassures Africa on FIFA funding and seamless World Cup 2026 experience

Scheduled to take place from June 11 to July 19, 2026, the tournament will be jointly hosted by 16 cities across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

With African participation expected to be strong, Infantino highlighted that all qualified nations will be fully supported to ensure a seamless journey to the world’s biggest football stage.

“This process will be smooth. It will ensure that those who qualify will be able to enjoy the tournament,” Infantino said, during his visit to Kenya for the African Nations Championship (CHAN) final on Saturday.

“It’s definitely the commitment of the governments in the United States, Canada, and Mexico to make sure that the process is smooth and that fans from all over the world will be happy.”

However, he also emphasised the importance of respecting the sovereignty of host nations in the process, noting, “Despite the assurances, the sovereignty of these states must be respected and accorded with.”

On the issue of funding, Infantino underlined that the real measure of FIFA’s support is not just in the money distributed, but in the outcomes and development it achieves.

“Even better, it’s not about the money paid, but about the competitions that are organised and the development work being done in the different zones,” he said.

“There are regions where, with little, they do a lot — and others where, with a lot, they do little or nothing. It depends on the people there and what use they make of the resources.”

FIFA’s financial support to Africa is primarily channelled through the FIFA Forward Development Programme. During the 2023–2026 cycle, each African member association is eligible to receive up to USD 8 million.

 This funding is allocated toward operational costs, tailored projects, and essential football equipment. In addition, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) receives USD 15 million annually to support its continental activities, while African zonal and regional football associations are entitled to up to USD 1.25 million per year to support regional tournaments and development initiatives.

Infantino’s remarks come at a time when greater scrutiny is being placed on the effectiveness and impact of international football funding, especially in regions where infrastructure and capacity-building are critical to the sport’s growth.

By emphasising accountability, inclusivity, and a shared commitment to excellence, FIFA is sending a clear message: Africa matters, and its football future is a top priority.

With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon and development funding actively being distributed, the path is being paved for African nations to shine both on and off the field.