The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has confirmed that Cape Verde will host the CAF Strategy Conference from 7 to 9 October 2026 in Santa Maria, Sal Island — a choice that reflects the Blue Sharks' remarkable run at the FIFA World Cup 2026, which captured the attention of football fans worldwide.

Convened under CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe, the three-day gathering will bring together the presidents of all 54 CAF Member Associations, Zonal Union Presidents, CAF Executive Committee members, national team coaches from across the continent, and leading international football experts.

Two pillars driving the agenda

The conference is structured around two central themes: reinforcing football development and long-term sustainability across Africa, and conducting a thorough analysis of the performances of Africa's 10 FIFA World Cup 2026 representatives to build momentum heading into the FIFA World Cup 2030.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino is expected to attend. Among the key participants will be the FIFA Technical Study Group, led by Arsène Wenger, alongside global football stakeholders and renowned experts from across the game.

A broad coalition of coaches

The event will welcome the coaches of all 10 African nations that competed at the FIFA World Cup 2026, as well as the head coaches of the remaining 44 CAF Member Associations. Coaches of African women's national teams that have qualified for the FIFA Women's World Cup 2027, and coaches of African U-17 sides set to feature at the FIFA U-17 World Cup, will also participate.

CAF says bringing together coaches from elite, women's, and youth football under one roof will allow the confederation to connect lessons learned at the highest level of international competition with player development pathways and long-term preparation strategies.

A defining moment for African football

The conference arrives at a pivotal juncture. At the FIFA World Cup 2026, Africa sent a record 10 national teams — and nine of them advanced to the knockout stage, a result that underscored the continent's growing strength on the global stage.

Beyond celebrating those achievements, the conference aims to identify concrete actions needed to strengthen CAF competitions and build sustainable football ecosystems across all 54 member associations, with the FIFA World Cup 2030 firmly in sight.

CAF President Dr Motsepe has extended a formal invitation to all association presidents and Executive Committee members to engage in discussions on making African football both world-class and financially self-supporting.