FIFA’s Chief of Global Football Development, Arsène Wenger, says the improving tactical standards of African national teams make a future World Cup victory for the continent a realistic prospect.
African teams’ World Cup progress
Speaking at the CAF Strategic Conference in Santa Maria on Cape Verde’s Sal Island, Wenger said performance data supports the view that an African side can eventually lift football’s biggest international trophy.
- Nine of the 10 African teams competing at the 2026 World Cup progressed beyond the group phase.
- Wenger said the results reflected major advances in organisation, discipline and tactical execution.
- He argued that Africa now needs to make one further step to turn strong tournament performances into a World Cup title.
Tactical discipline seen as key factor
Wenger said African teams had previously been vulnerable because their tactical structures were often too stretched. In particular, he cited excessive gaps between lines and an inability to sustain concentration throughout matches.
At the latest World Cup, however, African sides were difficult opponents for any team, he said, because their discipline and organisation had reached elite standards.
“Africa has made excellent progress, but it must take another step,” Wenger said. “We want an African team to win the World Cup, and the data indicates that this can be achieved.”
