African media asked Swiss Gianni Infantino, president of FIFA, whether Africans would feel safe and welcomed in the United States during the 2026 World Cup.

Infantino learned during a press conference in Kenya about the concerns of African football fans who feel some anxiety about current events in the United States, urging him to ensure that African fans do not feel unwanted or treated as second-class citizens during the tournament.

African media reminded the FIFA president of his visit to US President Donald Trump last week, where he held the golden World Cup trophy in a glass case at the White House.

A reporter from South Africa, the country of Patrice Motsepe, president of the African Football Confederation and FIFA vice president, who sat beside Infantino at the Nairobi conference, said: “We are going to play in a country where we feel unwelcome.”

At least nine African teams will participate in the tournament featuring 48 teams from June 11 to July 19 next year, across 11 US cities, three Mexican cities, and two Canadian cities. Algeria, Egypt, and South Africa are likely to qualify in October as group leaders in the qualifiers.

A tenth African team may qualify through the global playoff after the draw, which Trump and Infantino announced last week will be held on December 5 at the Kennedy Center in Washington.

Infantino, who has a close relationship with Trump who attended his inauguration in January, said: “Everyone is welcome in North America during next year’s World Cup.”

He added, “I think it is important to clarify this; because there are many misconceptions here.”