Nouakchott (AFP) - FIFA president Gianni Infantino vows to honour a promise to hike Africa's World Cup finals berths to nine or ten during a visit to the impoverished West African state of Mauritania this week.
"We want everyone to have the right to dream and how better to do that that taking part in a major event such as a World Cup," Infantino told a press conference.
During last year's hotly contested FIFA elections Infantino promised African federation chiefs that if elected he would increase the continent's meagre five World Cup berths in a new look competition featuring 48 nations rather that the current format of 32.
"Of the 48 teams scheduled for the 2026 World Cup nine or ten will be African. We'll be working on that," the Swiss head of world football promised.
The expansion of the World Cup, passed by the FIFA Council in January, comes into effect for the 2026 tournament.
The Infantino proposal will feature 16 first-round groups from which winners and runners-up qualify for the knockout phase.
Ghana gaining notoriety for cocaine — Bawumia
Bawumia exposes NDC's ‘scam’ promises to Ghanaians
NPP chairmanship: Sammy Crabbe backs John Boadu in last-minute show
EOCO detention won't stop me from representing Salomey – Baffour Awuah
NPP’s focus is to reclaim power in 2028 — Osahen Afenyo-Markin
NPP must put aside differences, unite to rebuild party – Odeneho Kwaku Appiah
NPP delegates approve 14 constitutional amendment motions
NDC's 24-hour economy has turned into ‘24-hour demolition’ — Bawumia
NPP adopts amendment to make flagbearer party leader
NDC delegation exit NPP conference over delays, poor communication
