The 2026 CAF African Schools Football Championship Continental Finals will take place in Harare, Zimbabwe, from April 2 to April 10, 2026. This significant event marks the fourth edition of the championship, initiated by CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe in 2021.
Background of the Championship
Since its inception, the CAF African Schools Football Championship has gained enormous popularity. More than three million boys and girls have taken part over the years, making it one of the largest school football competitions globally. A total of 82,477 schools from across Africa have participated in the program, involving 48 African countries.
A Commitment to Education and Development
The championship is not just about football; it also combines educational initiatives and social development. The Motsepe Foundation has invested an initial $10 million towards prize money. Over $2.6 million has been allocated for refurbishing educational and sporting facilities in various African schools.
Prize Money Distribution
- Winners (Boys’ and Girls’ categories): $300,000
- Runners-up: $200,000
- Third-place finishers: $150,000
These funds are earmarked for infrastructure projects, including sports facilities and educational resources.
Participating Teams
For the upcoming tournament, the confirmed participating teams are:
- Girls: Zimbabwe (Hosts), Ghana (Champions), Burkina Faso, Morocco, Guinea, Tanzania, Zambia, DR Congo
- Boys: Zimbabwe (Hosts), Tanzania (Champions), Benin, Morocco, Senegal, Uganda, Zambia, DR Congo
CAF will announce details of invitational teams from other confederations shortly.
Capacity-Building Initiatives
Complementing the on-field competition, CAF will host a series of capacity-building programs led by industry experts. These workshops will cover various areas, including:
- Young Referees Workshop
- Young Reporter Workshop
- Young Medical Officers Workshop
- Coaching Workshops
- Safeguarding Workshops
A Vision for the Future
Caf General Secretary, Mr. Veron Mosengo-Omba, emphasized that this championship is a strategic investment in the future of African football. It aims to develop young talent while enhancing institutional strength across the continent.
As excitement builds for the finals in Zimbabwe, the CAF continues to focus on strengthening young African talent and positioning African football on the global stage. Further details regarding the official draw and other aspects of the competition will be shared soon.
