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In Johannesburg, Wednesday December 21, the president of the African Football Confederation (CAF), Patrice Motsepe, congratulated the African teams which disputed the World Cup in Qatar, in particular Morocco, which reached the semi-finals. He also showed his confidence in a selection from the continent in the final in the next edition.
It was a happy and very satisfied Patrice Motsepe who spoke to the press on Wednesday, three days after the end of the Football World Cup and the Argentina victory against France. The CAF President returned to the course of the five African selections qualified for this 22nd World Cup.
If Tunisia (group D), Cameroon (group G) and Ghana (group H) did not pass the first round, these three selections nevertheless each gleaned a victory, respectively against France, Brazil and South Korea. Senegal, he crossed the group stage (2nd in group A behind the Netherlands) and lost in the round of 16 against England.
Finally, Morocco has achieved the best course of an African selection in the World Cup by finishing first at the top of group F and reaching the semi-finals. The Atlas Lions first drew with Croatia (0-0) before beating Belgium (2-0), Canada (2-1), then Spain in the round of 16 (0 -0, 3 shots on goal to 0) and Portugal in the quarters (1-0). Only France in the last four (2-0) and Croatia in the match for third place (2-1) beat Walid Regragui’s men.
► To read also: World Cup 2022: Morocco, its supporters and the end of the Qatari adventure
« This goal is within reach »
« The 54 member countries of the CAF are extremely proud and inspired by the victories and successes of the five nations that represented CAF at the World Cup. We are particularly proud of Morocco’s historic qualification for the semi-finals “, declared Patrice Motsepe, who made a point of expressing his” deep gratitude to the Atlas Lions and their entourage.
The leader continued: Morocco opened the door (…) and I am convinced that an African nation will go further at the next World Cup. » « CAF’s primary goal is for an African nation to win the World Cup, and that goal is within reach. “, insists Patrice Motsepe.
The 23rd edition of the World Cup is due to be held in June and July 2026 in Canada, the United States and Mexico. It will be the first World Cup co-hosted by three countries, and the first co-hosted since the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea. The competition will be expanded to 48 participants in the final phase, against 32 so far. The African continent will be more represented: nine or ten selections from CAF will qualify, against only five in Qatar.