African Football News & Insights
When talking about African football, the sport played across 54 nations under the Confederation of African Football (CAF). Also known as African soccer, it blends passion, talent, and a growing commercial push that fuels everything from local leagues to global tournaments.
World Cup qualifiers, the series of matches that decide which African nations reach the FIFA World Cup are the backbone of the continent’s football calendar. These qualifiers require solid squad depth, tactical flexibility, and often a neutral venue when stadium standards aren’t met – think of Kenya offering Nyayo Stadium for a Gambia‑Burundi clash. The results influence FIFA rankings, sponsorship deals, and the morale of entire fan bases. In recent weeks, Senegal’s 4‑0 win over South Sudan and Kenya’s neutral‑ground offer have reshaped Group B and Group F dynamics, showing how each match can tilt the balance of power.
Another key player is CAF, the governing body that organizes competitions, sets regulations, and oversees the development of the sport in Africa. CAF oversees everything from the Africa Cup of Nations to youth talent pathways, and its decisions on venue standards or group allocations directly affect how national teams compete. Recent CAF actions, like approving Kenya’s stadium for a neutral‑ground qualifier, illustrate the organization’s role in maintaining tournament integrity while accommodating logistical challenges.
Finally, the national teams, the squads representing each African country in international competitions are the faces fans rally behind. From Senegal’s star‑studded lineup to Cape Verde’s dramatic draw with Libya, each team brings a unique style and story. Their performances drive regional pride and can spark debates about coaching, player selection, and even broader political contexts – as seen with post‑match reactions in Sweden after a loss to Kosovo.
Below you’ll find a curated selection of the most recent African football stories. Whether you follow the qualifiers, want CAF updates, or track how individual national teams are faring, the posts ahead give you the facts, analysis, and local color you need to stay in the game.
Record 62 Clubs to Kick Off TotalEnergies CAF Champions League 2025/26
The 2025/26 TotalEnergies CAF Champions League starts Friday with a record 62 clubs. CAF will give $100,000 to teams knocked out in the first two prelim rounds to offset travel costs. Preliminary matches run 19‑21 September, with second‑leg ties 26‑28 September. A second preliminary round follows in October. The moves signal CAF’s push to broaden African club football.