CAF wants Africa to have 10 slots in World Cup

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is demanding ten places for Africa when the World Cup is expanded to 48 teams from 2026.

CAF boss Issa Hayatou, speaking at the opening of the Confederation's Congress in Ethiopia on Thursday, said he expected the continent to get 10 spots at the expanded 48-team World Cup.

Hayatou also said that after Fifa's decision to enlarge the number of World Cup slots from 32 to 48 nations, he would lobby for 10 places for African nations.

Hayatou, who faces a strong challenge for re-election later on Thursday, also said Africa expected 10 places in the revamped World Cup from 2026.

Earlier, FIFA President Gianni Infantino told the Congress the continent could expect nine or 10 places.

“Our expectation of 10 is based on the level of development of football and considering what our continent means to FIFA. We are certain of attaining this objective,” Hayatou said.

Africa would also seek more places at FIFA’s age group competition and criticised the decision of world football’s governing body to close two of its development offices on the continent.