FIFA President Gianni Infantino Set for Historic Visit to Somalia Later This Year

MOGADISHU – Somalia is preparing to host FIFA President Gianni Infantino in what officials describe as a historic visit later this year, marking the first time a sitting FIFA president has traveled to the country.

The announcement follows a series of high-level meetings between Somali Football Federation President and CECAFA Vice President Ali Abdi Mohamed, popularly known as Ali Shiine, and Infantino during discussions in the United States. Shiine said the meetings created new opportunities and agreements aimed at advancing football development in Somalia.

A Coordinated Effort

Officials attribute the breakthrough to close cooperation between Somalia’s Ministry of Youth and Sports, led by Minister Mohamed Abdiqadir Ali, and the Somali Football Federation. Shiine said continued coordination between the two institutions played a key role in improving relations with FIFA, eventually leading Infantino to decide on a visit before the end of the year.

The Somali Football Federation has been actively raising the country’s football profile internationally. Somalia was among the countries invited to attend the later stages of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including the semifinals and final, an invitation Shiine described as a major honor for the federation.

What the Visit Could Mean

Shiine said the expected visit reflected FIFA’s confidence in the progress of Somali football and could open the door for new partnerships, investment and development projects. These initiatives are expected to focus on upgrading football stadiums, improving the skills of coaches and referees, developing youth players, expanding women’s football and strengthening technical and administrative structures within Somali football.

FIFA has increased its investment in football development across Africa through infrastructure projects, technical assistance and governance reforms. Somalia has been among the countries seeking greater support to rebuild its football sector, improve facilities and expand opportunities for young players after years of instability.

Challenges and Context

The visit would mark a significant milestone for Somali football, which has been rebuilding after decades of conflict that damaged sports infrastructure and disrupted domestic competitions. However, the country faces significant challenges, including limited stadium facilities, a lack of technical expertise, and the ongoing security situation that has hindered the development of sport.

Somalia’s football sector has made some progress in recent years. The national U17 team won the CECAFA championship in 2022, and the Ocean Queens women’s team competed in the CECAFA Women’s Cup. African football legends joined the CECAFA President at a historic peace match in Mogadishu, underscoring the role of sport in reconciliation.

Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre met with the victorious U17 team in Ethiopia, hailing their achievement as a historic moment for Somali sports. However, the men’s senior national team has yet to qualify for a major tournament, and domestic league football remains underdeveloped.

The visit could also serve as a platform for Somalia to advocate for greater investment in sports infrastructure and to highlight the role of football in peacebuilding and youth development. However, whether FIFA’s engagement translates into tangible improvements on the ground will depend on the government’s ability to follow through on commitments and ensure that resources are used effectively.

Way Forward

Neither FIFA nor the Somali Football Federation has announced an official date for the visit, but football officials said preparations were under way ahead of the expected trip later this year. The visit, if it materialises, could be a turning point for Somali football, offering a chance to rebuild infrastructure, develop talent and raise the country’s profile on the international stage. But the gap between promise and delivery remains wide, and the visit’s success will be measured not by the fanfare, but by the lasting impact on Somali football.