FIFA President Gianni Infantino arrived in Juba, South Sudan on Tuesday to inaugurate the newly constructed Juba National Stadium.
Accompanied by South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir Mayardit and Football Association President Augustino Parek, Infantino marked the occasion following FIFA’s investment of nearly $7 million (£5.49 million) to support infrastructure development in the capital.
Infantino attended South Sudan’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match at the stadium, marking the first time a FIFA World Cup qualifier has been hosted in the country.
Despite a 3-0 defeat to Sudan, the significance of the event was celebrated.
“Today, with football, we unite the world, we unite South Sudan, we unite Africa, we unite all the people who love our game,” Infantino remarked.
“We do this here, in your capital, in Juba. I am very happy today and I’m very proud to assist on this historic day, 11 June 2024 for a historic game,” he added.
The milestone event underscores the growing prominence of football in South Sudan and reflects FIFA’s commitment to expanding the sport’s reach across the globe.
