FIFA President Gianni Infantino has stressed how important COSAFA is for the Southern African region.
Infantino was speaking at Sunday’s COSAFA Annual General Assembly in Johannesburg.
“COSAFA is very important in this part of the world, and as part of the FIFA Forward programme, in which we introduced a strong support to the zonal organisations.” the FIFA President said.
“Nevertheless we can and want to do more so we need to be united and work together in a true spirit of cooperation.”
The number of African teams participating in the World Cup will increase from five to nine or ten at the 2026 World Cup and Infantino says it will be a big step for the continent..
“Doubling the number of teams participating in the World Cup is crucial because it can have an impact on youth and the entire football community as it gives many more countries a concrete chance to qualify.”
” This can trigger investments from governments and the private sector, which can help the member associations further develop football in their respective countries.”
“In order for African teams not only to participate, but to shine at a world stage, the work has to start now. Africa should be united to get back what it has given to global football, and this can only happen if we all work together.”
