Lamin Kaba Bajo, president of The Gambia Football Federation (GFF), has set his sights on the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals in Canada, Mexico and USA.

Bajo said the federation is targeting the world elite football tournament as The Gambia’s footballing talents make impacts in continental competitions 

The Scorpions made their impressive debut appearance in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) finals last year where they reached the quarter-finals.

“Our next target is a subsequent Africa Cup of Nations and also the 2026 World Cup, that’s definitely what we are working towards,” Bajo told BBC Sport Africa.

“We have a very strong league across the country, which goes up to the provinces, and highly competitive school football, where the coaches also recruit talents. 

“We also have a talent development scheme that we launched and we are putting more effort in ensuring implementation of the strategy.”

The 2026 World Cup will feature 48 teams for the first time with Africa assured of nine berths, a development that will boost The Gambia’s hopes of qualification.

The Scorpions are currently placed second on the 2023 AFCON qualification Group G standings – level on points with second-placed Congo-Brazzaville and three points behind leaders Mali with two games.

The top two teams will qualify for the 2023 AFCON finals which will be hosted by Ivory Coast next year.