Better infrastructure and more competitions are essential to improving the prospects of young footballers in Guyana and the wider region, FIFA President Gianni Infantino has said.

He made the remarks during discussions with President Dr Irfaan Ali, pointing to an Under-15 World Cup held the previous week as evidence of the talent already present.

"We have seen the talent that this region has," he said.

He said young players needed stronger support to turn that ability into opportunities at the highest level, and identified infrastructure and competitions as gaps FIFA and its partners would address together.

Infantino also spoke of investment in talent academies and grassroots football, and of developing new events suited to the region.

He said Guyana's geographical position and its status as home of CARICOM's headquarters offered possibilities for football development. He expressed interest in working with the Government and the Guyana Football Federation on projects that could serve as examples internationally.

"Because what we can do here, we can show it to the world," Infantino said.

Ali welcomed the partnership, saying football could create opportunities and contribute to social and economic development.