FIFA President Gianni Infantino has commended East African countries of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda for successfully co-hosting the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), terming it a landmark achievement for the region’s football profile.

Speaking during a press conference in Nairobi on Saturday alongside Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe, Infantino lauded the three countries and CAF for what he described as excellent organisation of the continental competition.

He noted that the success of the tournament reflected the region’s ability to stage world-class events and underscored the growing role of Africa in global football.

“This is a CAF conference which I crashed right now," Infantino joked.

"But we are all CAF, we are all FIFA, and we are all football. We are united together, and this signifies the great work being done.”

This was the first official visit to Kenya by FIFA President Gianni Infantino.

He said he was delighted to be in the country and used the opportunity to highlight the great talent being nurtured across East Africa and the continent at large.

He further praised the development of football academies across Africa, describing them as crucial for identifying and nurturing the next generation of stars.

At the same time, Infantino assured Africans of streamlined visa processes for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

He said fans and volunteers from across the globe, including Africa, will find it easier to attend the tournament.

“Everyone will be welcome in Canada, Mexico, and the United States for the World Cup next year,” he said.

“Obviously, there is a process to go through to obtain visas, but this process will be smooth.”

Infantino emphasised that the 2026 World Cup will be historic, with record participation from African nations.

He also affirmed FIFA’s commitment to continue working with CAF to nurture talent, invest in football infrastructure, and ensure that African players have opportunities to shine at the global stage.

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His remarks come ahead of the CHAN finals, set to be played at the Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani, where Madagascar will face Morocco.

The event marks the culmination of a tournament that has placed East Africa firmly in the global football spotlight.(STAR)