FIFA President Gianni Infantino has moved to calm concerns among African fans over safety and hospitality in the United States ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Speaking at a news conference in Nairobi on Saturday, Infantino was asked by African journalists whether visitors from the continent would be safe and welcome.
Football fans from Africa, he was told, “are a little bit jittery” about current events in the U.S. and fear being treated as “outcasts” or “second-class citizens.”
“We are going to play it in a country where some of us do not feel welcome,” said a reporter from South Africa.
He added: “I think the onus is on you, to make sure that Africa and all the other people of the world do not feel outcast, do not feel like they are being made second-class citizens in a world where equality should prevail.”
Infantino assured: “Everyone will be welcome in North America next year for the World Cup. I think it’s important to clarify this, there are a lot of misconceptions out there.”
The FIFA President pointed to the recent Club World Cup hosted in 11 U.S. cities: “Fans came from 164 countries to the month-long Club World Cup … without of course any problems with visas.”
CAF President Patrice Motsepe, who sat alongside Infantino, also sought to reassure African supporters.
“We are confident that we will fulfil whatever requirements they may have and there will be sufficient access to African fans in the World Cup next year,” Motsepe said.
Infantino called the tournament an opportunity for global unity.
“The world needs occasions of unity,” he said. “Be positive, you will see there will be a great, great celebration of the greatest FIFA World Cup ever.”
The expanded 48-team tournament, scheduled from June 11 to July 19, will be played across 11 U.S. cities, three in Mexico and two in Canada.
At least nine African nations are expected to qualify, with Egypt, Morocco, Ghana, and South Africa currently leading their groups.
A tenth team could advance through the intercontinental playoffs.
Tickets for all 104 matches go on sale on September 10.
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