Dr Patrice Motsepe, President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), has sent a goodwill message to Senegal as preparations intensify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The tournament, which will be jointly staged by the United States of America, Mexico and Canada, is scheduled to run from June 11 to July 19, 2026. It will mark the first time in FIFA World Cup history that the competition is hosted by three countries.
Africa is set to enjoy a record presence at the expanded 48-team competition, with 10 nations earning places at the global football spectacle. The continent will have the second-highest number of representatives behind Europe, which boasts 16 qualified teams.
According to CAF, Senegal, Morocco, Egypt, Algeria, Ghana, Tunisia, Cote d’Ivoire, South Africa and tournament newcomers Cape Verde secured the nine direct qualification spots available to Africa.
The Democratic Republic of Congo claimed the continent’s final place through the intercontinental playoff route. The Leopards booked their ticket after overcoming Cameroon, Nigeria and Jamaica during the qualification process.
Motsepe Sends Best Wishes to Senegal
Ahead of the World Cup in North America, CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe addressed a formal letter to the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF).
The correspondence, directed to FSF President Abdoulaye Fall, was made public by the federation on its official website on June 7, 2026, just days before the start of the tournament.
The letter read: “On behalf of the CAF Member Federations representing 54 African countries, we wish the Lions of Teranga every success at the 2026 FIFA World Cup™.”
“The Lions of Teranga have, on numerous occasions, made the Senegalese people and the entire continent proud with their victories and outstanding performances.
We are confident that they will once again proudly represent Senegal and the 1.6 billion Africans at the 2026 FIFA World Cup™. May Allah continue to guide and bless the Lions of Teranga.”
