FIFA president applauds African teams' performances at World Cup

Morocco carried the continent's hopes the furthest of the five representatives when they made history as the first African country to make the semifinals but lost to defending world champions France.

Senegal was the only other country from Africa to reach the knockout stages but were outplayed by England in their last 16 clash.

The other three African nations, Ghana, Cameroon, and Tunisia, all exited the tournament in Qatar after failing to advance from the group stages.

"I think Morocco played exceptionally well - they were a great success and worked very, very well," the FIFA president said.

"They played with great desire, determination and undeniable quality. Reaching a final cannot be done by chance. It's the result of a long-term effort, investment by the Moroccan football federation, all the technical staff, and a young Moroccan coach who has also been in club football there.

"And also I want to congratulate the other African teams. Senegal qualified from the group stage, which wasn't the case in 2018, and then came up against a very strong England team.

"Cameroon, Ghana and Tunisia also played very well and up to the last minute of the last matches, they had a chance of qualifying, which shows you the standard of African football."