All 16 Nations arrive in Zimbabwe as CAF African Schools Football Championship Continental Finals 2026 set for kick-off on Monday

Excitement continues to build in Harare as all 16 participating nations for the CAF African Schools Football Championship Continental Finals Zimbabwe 2026 have officially arrived in the host country ahead of the much-anticipated kick-off on Monday.

The fourth edition of the finals of Africa’s largest schools football programme will take place from 06–10 April at Gateway High School in Harare.

The arrival of the teams marks a significant milestone as the continent’s finest young talents prepare to battle for top honours in what promises to be a thrilling showcase of youth football, learning and relationship building.

With less than 48 hours to kick-off, tournament hosts Zimbabwe welcome defending champions Tanzania (Boys) and Ghana (Girls), alongside the rest of the qualified nations, setting the stage for a vibrant celebration of African youth football and continental unity.

Following the official draw conducted in Harare, which confirmed the tournament fixtures, anticipation has reached new heights as teams gear up for what is expected to be a fiercely contested competition.

Off the pitch, CAF’s commitment to holistic development continues to take centre stage through its Capacity Building Programmes, which are already underway in Harare.

These programmes bring together young players, coaches, referees, and educators from across the continent, offering a series of training sessions and workshops aimed at strengthening African football development structures.

Speaking ahead of the start of the tournament, Sarah Mukuna said:  

“The CAF African Schools Football Championship is not only about competition, but about creating opportunities for young people to grow both on and off the field. Through our capacity building initiatives, we are investing in the future of African football by equipping participants with valuable skills that extend beyond the game. The arrival of all sixteen teams marks an exciting milestone as we build up to an exciting tournament.”

Blending elite youth competition with education and development, the tournament continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of African football.

With the teams now settled, fixtures confirmed, and excitement sweeping across the host city, all is set for a spectacular fourth edition of the CAF African Schools Football Championship Continental Finals.