FIFA President Gianni Infantino arrived in Juba, South Sudan on Tuesday for the inauguration of Juba National Stadium. The 54-year-old was joined by the country’s President, Salva Kiir Mayardit, and FA President Augustino Parek, marking the occasion after FIFA invested nearly 7 million USD (£5.49 million) to support the work in the capital.
Infantino also attended South Sudan’s 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifying match at the stadium—the first time a FIFA World Cup qualifier has been held in the country. Despite the ‘Bright Stars’ losing 3-0 to Sudan, the event was a significant milestone.
“Today, with football, we unite the world, we unite South Sudan, we unite Africa, we unite all the people who love our game,” said Infantino. “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.
