FIFA President Gianni Infantino has pledged to continue building opportunities for African talent on the world stage, pointing to a historic FIFA World Cup 2026 campaign in which nine of the continent's ten participating teams advanced to the knockout rounds.

Speaking at the CAF Strategy Conference on the island of Sal, Cabo Verde, Infantino praised the daily work of Africa's FIFA Member Associations and said it was now producing tangible results.

"Football belongs to everyone, everywhere in the world and it's our responsibility to create opportunities and to find the resources for these opportunities to become true," Infantino said in his opening remarks.

Blue Sharks steal the show

Infantino reserved particular praise for Cabo Verde, whose debut at the FIFA World Cup 2026 captured global attention. The Blue Sharks drew 0-0 with eventual champions Spain, 2-2 with Uruguay, and 0-0 with Saudi Arabia in Group H to reach the round of 32. They then pushed title-holders Argentina all the way to extra-time before falling 3-2.

"Everyone knows Cabo Verde. The Blue Sharks have made a country proud, they have made a continent proud," Infantino said. "But, much more than that, they have been able to conquer the hearts of the people, not just of the Cabo Verdeans in Cabo Verde and outside of Cabo Verde, but of everyone everywhere in the world."

A billion dollars and counting

The FIFA President confirmed that the FIFA Forward Programme has channelled more than USD 1 billion into African football over the past decade, funding 124 projects — including new headquarters, national training centres, and upgraded stadium infrastructure across the continent.

He also highlighted progress on stadium access, noting that the number of African Member Associations unable to host home matches had fallen from 26 to 14 over the past two years, with the target being a situation where every association can play on home soil.

"A child and a child's opportunity cannot be limited by the place he or she is born. What we can do to change this is to continue to invest in infrastructure, in coaching, in competitions to make sure that this talent has an opportunity and a chance to shine," Infantino said.

A unified call to action

The conference, designed to shape the next phase of African football development, brought together coaches, administrators, and football experts. FIFA Chief of Global Football Development Arsène Wenger and FIFA's Deputy Chief Member Associations Officer Gelson Fernandes were among those in attendance.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe echoed Infantino's sentiments, stressing the value of collective effort. "Whenever we have these sorts of discussions, we want the family to be together," Motsepe said. "Part of what we are doing today is to re-emphasise the importance of all of us working together."

Cabo Verdean Football Association President Mário Semedo welcomed the FIFA delegation, calling Infantino's presence "a sign of friendship and respect for African football" that reflects FIFA's commitment to inclusion and global development.