Africa’s 54 football associations could receive a combined $1.35 billion under a proposed FIFA funding programme following the 2026 World Cup.
The proposal would provide $25 million to each national football association as part of a wider $6.35 billion development package.
However, FIFA has not yet approved the plan, and the final funding conditions remain uncertain.
According to Business Insider Africa, the proposal could significantly increase financial support for football development across the continent.
FIFA funding proposal could benefit African football
The proposed funding package would distribute more of FIFA’s World Cup revenue to its member associations.
With 54 national associations in Africa, the continent could theoretically receive $1.35 billion if each association qualifies for the full $25 million.
However, this amount is a calculation based on the proposal, not an officially announced allocation for Africa.
It also excludes any separate funding that could go to the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The Associated Press reported on October 14 that the proposal appeared in a letter reviewed by the news agency.
Two people familiar with the discussions also confirmed details of the plan, according to the report.
FIFA was expected to consider the proposal at its Council meeting on October 15.
How could FIFA funding support African football?
Additional funding could help African football associations improve facilities and expand development programmes.
Many associations face financial challenges because of limited sponsorship opportunities and broadcasting revenue.
FIFA already provides development assistance through its Forward programme.
Under the Forward 3.0 programme, each eligible national association can receive up to $8 million during the 2023–2026 funding cycle.
The money can support football infrastructure, administration and approved development projects.
These projects may include training grounds, football pitches, technical centres and administrative facilities.
Some associations can also receive additional assistance for national-team travel and accommodation.
However, FIFA has not confirmed whether the proposed new package would follow the same funding rules.
FIFA considers new approach after World Cup
The proposed increase follows the commercial success of the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup.
According to reporting cited by Business Insider Africa, FIFA could use part of its financial reserves to support the development package.
The discussion also follows the collapse of an earlier proposal involving private investors in FIFA’s commercial operations.
That plan involved a new commercial entity reportedly valued at approximately $20 billion.
However, opposition from football authorities in Europe, Asia and North America contributed to its withdrawal.
The latest proposal would offer a different approach to distributing financial resources among FIFA members.
What happens next for African football associations?
The potential funding increase could provide new opportunities for football development across Africa.
However, several questions remain unanswered.
These include how much money FIFA will approve, when payments could begin and what requirements associations must meet.
Financial oversight and the permitted uses of the funding will also be important.
For now, the $1.35 billion figure represents a possible combined benefit for Africa’s 54 football associations rather than a confirmed payment.
A final decision will determine whether the proposed programme becomes a major new source of funding for African football.