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EZEKIEL PHALANA
The Confederation of African Football (CAF), led by President Dr Patrice Motsepe, has unveiled a series of landmark initiatives aimed at accelerating the growth of football across the African continent, following the historic performances of African nations at the FIFA World Cup 2026.
Celebrating what has been Africa’s most successful FIFA World Cup campaign, CAF confirmed that nine of the continent’s ten representatives advanced from the group stage to the Round of 32, the highest qualification rate in Africa’s World Cup history. The achievement has strengthened CAF’s commitment to investing in football development at every level.
Dr Motsepe praised the performances of Algeria, Cabo Verde, Côte d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa and Tunisia, saying the success reflects the rapid progress African football continues to make on the global stage.
“We are proud of the remarkable achievements of our national teams, but we also recognise that there is still room for improvement,” said Dr Motsepe. “CAF will continue investing in coaches, technical teams, youth football, professional leagues and infrastructure to ensure that African football becomes one of the strongest in the world. We remain confident that an African nation will one day become FIFA World Cup champions.”
To build on the momentum created at the World Cup, CAF announced that it will convene a high-level football conference involving national team coaches, technical experts, former players and stakeholders. The gathering will evaluate Africa’s FIFA World Cup 2026 performances and develop recommendations to strengthen preparations for the 2030 FIFA World Cup.
CAF also reaffirmed its commitment to expanding coaching education across its six regional zones, increasing investment in grassroots football and strengthening the CAF African Schools Football Championship, which continues to serve as a key platform for nurturing young talent across the continent.
Major Boost for Women’s Football
In another landmark announcement, CAF confirmed a significant increase in prize money for the TotalEnergies CAF Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The new prize structure includes:
The champions’ prize money doubled by 100% to USD 2 million.
Total tournament prize money increased by 67%, rising from USD 3.475 million to USD 5.8 million.
The runners-up’s prize increased by 50% to USD 750,000.
Prize money for the third-placed team increased by 43%.
Each of the 16 participating teams will receive USD 150,000 in participation funding, a 20% increase from the previous edition.
CAF noted that since the current leadership assumed office, the winners’ prize money has increased by 900%, while the tournament’s total prize fund has grown by 495%, demonstrating the organisation’s commitment to advancing women’s football.
CAF also confirmed that the number of participating teams at WAFCON has expanded from eight to sixteen, further strengthening opportunities for women’s football across Africa.
Preparations Underway for AFCON PAMOJA 2027
CAF reported encouraging progress in preparations for the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) PAMOJA 2027, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
According to CAF, the three host nations are working closely with the organisation to ensure stadiums, training facilities, transport systems, accommodation, medical services, broadcasting infrastructure and security arrangements meet the highest international standards for a successful tournament.
Future AFCON Hosting Opportunities
CAF also announced the opening of the bidding process for the 2028, 2032 and 2036 Africa Cup of Nations tournaments.
The governing body revealed that several member associations have already submitted expressions of interest to host the prestigious competition, with further announcements expected in due course.
In addition, CAF has launched the Commercial Rights Invitation to Tender (ITT) for the AFCON tournaments in 2028, 2032 and 2036. The initiative is designed to maximise the commercial value of the competition, attract leading international marketing and commercial partners, and generate greater financial returns that can be reinvested into football development across Africa.
CAF General Assembly Heads to Abuja
Looking ahead, CAF confirmed that its 48th Ordinary General Assembly will be held in Abuja, Nigeria, on 21 November 2026.
CAF expressed its appreciation to the Government of Nigeria and the Nigeria Football Federation for their partnership and support in hosting the continental gathering, which is expected to play a significant role in shaping the future of African football.
With record-breaking performances on the pitch, increased investment in men’s and women’s football, expanded development programmes and ambitious plans for future competitions, CAF continues to position African football for sustained growth and greater global success.
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