Arsene Wenger, FIFA's Chief of Global Football Development, will chair a headline panel discussion at the upcoming CAF Strategy Conference in Cabo Verde, joined by some of the coaches who shaped Africa's historic run at the FIFA World Cup 2026.

The conference runs from 07 to 09 October in Cabo Verde, bringing together coaches from all 54 of CAF's Member Associations alongside football legends and key stakeholders. The agenda centres on concrete steps to advance football development across the continent.

A record-breaking World Cup for Africa

The panel discussion will focus on one of African football's landmark achievements — a record nine of Africa's 10 representatives progressing to the Knockout Stages of the FIFA World Cup 2026. Wenger will lead the conversation, drawing on the perspectives of the coaches who delivered those results.

Bubista, the mastermind behind Cabo Verde's memorable campaign at the global finals, joins the panel on home soil. His side's performances captured widespread attention, and he is expected to offer a candid account of the tactical and motivational decisions that drove them.

Mohamed Ouahbi guided Morocco to the Quarter-finals, further cementing the Atlas Lions' standing as one of the continent's elite sides. His inclusion adds another dimension to what promises to be a rich exchange of ideas.

Hossam Hassan, the legendary former Egypt striker now managing the Pharaohs, led Egypt to their first-ever FIFA World Cup victory. Their run featured a dramatic encounter with Argentina, in which Egypt held a two-goal lead deep into the match — one of the tournament's most talked-about moments.

Sébastien Desabre rounds out the panel, having steered DR Congo back to the World Cup stage for the first time in 52 years. He guided the team through to the round of 32, a milestone that resonated deeply across Central Africa.

Broadcast and schedule

CAF TV will broadcast a number of sessions live, while certain discussions between coaches and technical staff will remain closed to the public. CAF has confirmed it will release the full broadcast schedule and programme in due course. All updates will be available on CAFonline and CAF's digital platforms.