The CAF Strategy Conference is set to take place in Praia, Cape Verde, from October 7-9, 2026. The event will bring together 54 member teams, football legends, and technical experts to discuss strategies for accelerating African football development. This conference aims to provide a platform for coaches and technical experts to share experiences and discuss ways to improve African football. The conference will feature various stakeholders in African football.
A roundtable discussion focused on the 2026 World Cup will be led by Arsène Wenger, FIFA's Director of Global Football Development and former Arsenal coach. Wenger will discuss the tournament with several prominent African coaches, including Hossam Hassan of Egypt, Sébastien Desabre of the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Mohamed Ouahbi of Morocco. The discussion will review the performances of African teams in the 2026 World Cup and explore lessons learned from the tournament.
The 2026 World Cup saw notable achievements by African teams. The Cape Verde team, led by Pedro "Bubista" Brito, qualified for the World Cup finals for the first time. Morocco, under Mohamed Ouahbi, reached the quarterfinals, while Egypt secured its first World Cup victory under Hossam Hassan. The Democratic Republic of Congo, coached by Sébastien Desabre, returned to the World Cup finals after a 52-year absence and reached the round of 16.
According to the CAF, nine out of ten African teams that participated in the 2026 World Cup reached the round of 16. The conference will provide an opportunity for coaches to reflect on their teams' performances and exchange ideas on how to build on these successes. The event aims to foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among African football stakeholders.
The conference will also focus on strategies to contribute to the development of African football. Discussions will center on ways to improve football infrastructure, coaching, and player development. The sharing of experiences between coaches and technical experts from different member associations will be a key aspect of the conference.
The CAF Strategy Conference is expected to have a positive impact on African football. By bringing together coaches, technical experts, and stakeholders, the event aims to promote collaboration and drive progress in the sport. The conference will provide a valuable platform for African football leaders to discuss challenges and opportunities in the sport.
Rémi Sousso, a representative of WalFadjri, confirmed the details of the conference. The event is a significant initiative by the CAF to promote African football development. Key points from the conference include:
Key points
- The CAF Strategy Conference will take place in Praia from October 7-9, 2026.
- The conference will bring together 54 member teams, football legends, and technical experts to discuss African football development.
- A roundtable discussion led by Arsène Wenger will focus on the 2026 World Cup and feature prominent African coaches.
