Presidential Candidate Maurice Kamto Targets 2038 World Cup to Boost Cameroon's Development

A contender in Cameroon's next presidential election, Maurice Kamto, has shared his outlook on the future of football in the nation. He stated in a recent interview that he hopes to co-host the 2038 FIFA World Cup alongside Ghana, Nigeria, and Côte d'Ivoire.

A Strategic Football Vision

Kamto highlighted Cameroon's historical significance in African football, emphasizing how the country assisted in securing more World Cup spots for African nations. He thinks it would be a historic accomplishment to co-host the tournament with other West African powerhouses.

"I would like Cameroon to co-host the 2038 World Cup alongside Ghana, Nigeria, and Côte d'Ivoire." Cameroon has gained international recognition for its contributions to African football, and these four countries are all excellent footballing nations," he said.

Why 2038?

Kamto justified his choice of 2038, explaining that earlier editions were already allocated and that this timeline allows sufficient preparation. “It gives us time to upgrade our infrastructure and ensure we are ready,” he noted.

A Vision Beyond Politics

Kamto insists that football development transcends politics. He sees the World Cup as a vehicle for economic growth, infrastructure improvement, and national unity.

“The World Cup would not just be a sporting event; it would be a moment of national transformation, compelling us to invest in roads, transport, and stadiums,” he added.

Challenges & Feasibility

Despite its ambition, Kamto's plan has serious financial and logistical issues. Important considerations will be regional collaboration, infrastructure preparedness, and FIFA's approval. But the 2026 World Cup, which the United States, Canada, and Mexico will jointly host, shows that multi-nation bids are feasible.

Will Cameroon’s Leaders Support the Plan?

With Paul Biya seeking a seventh term, it remains to be seen whether Kamto’s vision will gain momentum. However, his proposal has sparked discussions on West African unity and football-driven development.