African football leaders will meet in Cape Verde in October to discuss how to improve the game on the continent. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) will hold its strategic conference from 7 to 9 October in Santa Maria, on Sal Island. The meeting will bring together the heads of CAF’s 54 national football associations, regional federation leaders, members of the CAF Executive Committee, national-team coaches and international football experts.
The conference will focus on two main issues. The first is how to develop African football and make it more sustainable. The second is a review of the 10 African teams that played at the 2026 World Cup.
Nine of the 10 African teams reached the knockout stage at the tournament. CAF will use the results to identify what worked, what needs to improve and how teams can prepare better for the 2030 World Cup.
CAF president Patrice Motsepe wants the organisation to review its current strategy. The strategy aims to improve the quality of African competitions, strengthen the continent’s position in world football and help national associations build stronger football systems.
Fifa president Gianni Infantino is expected to attend the conference. The 10 African teams that played at the World Cup and their coaches are also expected to take part.
Other coaches from CAF’s 44 remaining member associations will join the meeting. Fifa’s Technical Study Group, led by former France coach Arsène Wenger, will also participate.
Coaches of African women’s teams that have qualified for the 2027 Women’s World Cup will attend. Coaches of African under-17 teams taking part in the next Under-17 World Cup will also be there.
CAF wants the meeting to connect lessons from major international tournaments with player development and coach training. It will also look at long-term plans for national teams and football associations.
Cape Verde was chosen to host the conference after its national team made an impact at the 2026 World Cup. The tournament brought increased international attention to the country’s football.
The meeting will also give CAF a chance to review the African teams’ World Cup campaign and discuss changes to competitions, youth development and coaching ahead of 2030.
