Football: Fifa president hopes Africa gets two more World Cup slots

Fifa president Gianni Infantino speaks to the media in Abuja, Nigeria, on July 25, 2016. PHOTO: REUTERS

(AFP) - Fifa president Gianni Infantino said on Monday (July 25) he hopes Africa gets two more spots at the World Cup if his proposal for the tournament to be expanded to 40 teams goes through.

There are presently 32 finalists for the World Cup with Africa represented by five teams.

Infantino, elected in February this year, arrived in Abuja on Sunday (July 24) on a two-day visit to Nigeria.

He is accompanied by new secretary-general Fatma Samoura, who until her appointment in May headed the UN Development Programme in the West African country.

"I believe for the 2026 World Cup, we should have 40 teams and out of the additional eight teams we should have at least two more African teams," Infantino told reporters in Abuja.

"We are discussing this and I hope I will be able to convince everyone as well."

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