By Francis Onyach - Reporter
Italy, 15 November 2025 - Italian football legend and manager Gennaro Gattuso has stirred debate across the global football community after calling on FIFA to reduce the number of African teams that qualify for the World Cup.
His comments come at a time when African football is enjoying a reasonable representation on the world stage, with the 2026 and 2030 World Cups set to feature even more teams from the continent.
Speaking during an interview, Gattuso questioned the current qualification structure and argued that FIFA has made it “too easy” for some regions.
"In my day, the best [group] runners-up went straight to the World Cup; now the rules have changed," Gattuso said.
"To change the rules, you need to tell those who organize these tournaments."
His remarks have not sat well with many African football supporters. Fans strongly believe Africa deserves more, not fewer slots.
Why Gattuso’s Comments Weren't Well Received in Africa
Over the years, African teams have proven they can compete at the highest level.
Morocco reached the semi-finals of the 2022 World Cup, while Senegal and Nigeria have consistently advanced to the knockout stages.
Teams like Algeria, Ghana, and Cameroon have also produced historic runs.
For many Kenyan fans, Gattuso’s comments feel like an attempt to undermine African growth in football rather than acknowledge its progress.
Some fans have linked it to former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher's comments on AFCON.
Kenyan Fans React: "Africa Has Earned Its Place"
Football lovers in Kenya had quick reactions online, with many questioning why European teams continue to dominate qualification slots, while African teams face tougher routes and fewer opportunities.
- A typical sentiment shared by Kenyan fans is that:
- Africa has more than 50 footballing nations competing for just a handful of spots
- The talent pool across the continent is massive and growing
- Teams are improving technically, tactically, and financially
- Restricting Africa now would slow down global football development
- Some fans even argued that if anything, Europe should lose slots, not Africa.
What This Means for Kenyan Football
Kenya is still on its journey toward World Cup qualification, but with CAF expanding berths, the Harambee Stars have a clearer path than ever before.
Many Kenyans see this as a golden opportunity for national football growth, an opportunity that proposals like Gattuso’s could threaten.
- More spots for Africa means:
- Greater motivation for local players
- Larger investment in youth development
- More international exposure for African talent
- A fairer and more global World Cup
Is Gattuso Right? Or Is the Game Simply Evolving?
While Gattuso’s comments reflect concerns some traditional football nations hold, critics argue that the sport is changing, and must change.
Football is no longer just a European and South American affair.
Nations in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East are rising fast.
More slots mean a more inclusive, competitive, and globally representative tournament.
In fact, many believe FIFA should further support Africa instead of limiting it.
Gattuso’s remarks have sparked debate, but one thing is clear: African football is growing, and Kenya is part of that journey.
Reducing the continent’s representation would not only be unfair but would also undermine the spirit of football as a global sport.
As Kenya’s football community continues to grow more passionate and competitive, one question remains: Should the World Cup restrict Africa or embrace its rise?
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