CAF Awards 2026: Club and National Team Shortlists Put Africa’s Football Powerhouses in Focus
The race for African football’s top honours is beginning to take shape after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) revealed its shortlists for the 2026 awards recognising the continent’s best club and national team. The nominees reflect a season of major continental achievements, with North African sides strongly represented and South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns among the leading contenders.
Ten clubs are in contention for the best club award, while another ten national teams are vying for the international prize. The lists bring together established champions, rising forces and teams whose performances have strengthened their reputations across Africa and beyond. While the nominations offer an early indication of the likely contenders, the final prediction remains difficult until CAF announces the winners at its ceremony in Lagos.
Mamelodi Sundowns and USM Alger Lead the Club Conversation
Mamelodi Sundowns headline the club shortlist after lifting the CAF Champions League, the most prestigious prize in African club football. Their inclusion reflects a campaign built on consistency, technical quality and the ability to deliver in high-pressure continental matches. Sundowns have become a regular presence in the latter stages of CAF competitions, and their latest success further underlines their standing among the continent’s elite.
USM Alger also have a strong case after winning the CAF Confederation Cup. The Algerian side’s achievement places them alongside the Champions League winners as one of the season’s most successful clubs. Their nomination is particularly significant because the Confederation Cup often brings together teams with different resources and histories, making a title run a demanding test of squad depth and resilience.
Algeria’s representation does not end there: CR Belouizdad have also made the shortlist. Morocco has the largest group of nominees, with AS FAR, Olympic Safi and Renaissance Berkane all included. Their presence highlights the depth of Moroccan club football, where several teams have developed the organisation and competitive experience needed to challenge across domestic and continental competitions.
The remaining nominees come from across the continent. Egypt’s Zamalek, DR Congo’s AS Maniema Union, Sudan’s Al-Hilal and Tunisia’s Esperance complete the ten-club field. Together, the list spans a range of football cultures and leagues, creating a competitive award race rather than a contest dominated by one country.
What could shape the club award prediction?
Continental silverware is likely to be a major factor in the voting, giving Sundowns and USM Alger an obvious advantage. However, CAF’s club award can also reflect the broader quality and influence of a team’s season. Consistency, performances against strong opposition and the ability to make an impact beyond a single result may all help distinguish the eventual winner.
For supporters, the shortlist also offers a snapshot of where club football’s influence is growing. Morocco’s three nominees point to a particularly competitive domestic environment, while the presence of clubs from Algeria, Egypt, South Africa, Sudan, Tunisia and DR Congo demonstrates the geographical reach of the African game.
Morocco and Senegal Headline the National Team Shortlist
Morocco lead the national-team nominations after winning the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Their continental title places them at the centre of the award discussion, while their continued prominence in international football has made them one of Africa’s most closely watched sides. Senegal, the runners-up at the tournament, are also nominated and will be hoping their strong campaign is recognised.
Egypt are among the ten contenders after reaching the round of 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. A run to the knockout stage gives the Pharaohs a notable achievement to point to, particularly in a field where international results are central to the conversation. Cape Verde have also earned a place after reaching the round of 32 at a World Cup for the first time in their history, marking a landmark moment for the national side.
Algeria and Tunisia add further experience to the shortlist. Both have long-standing roles in African football and will be assessed against teams whose recent achievements include major tournament success. Ghana, Ivory Coast, DR Congo and South Africa complete the nominees, ensuring that the final field includes a broad mix of established contenders and teams with compelling recent stories.
A difficult prediction in a crowded field
Morocco appear to have a strong claim because of their AFCON triumph, while Senegal’s run to the final makes them a credible challenger. Egypt’s World Cup progress and Cape Verde’s historic achievement could also carry considerable weight. The outcome may depend on how voters balance tournament results, the strength of opposition and the wider significance of each team’s campaign.
The shortlist also reflects the different routes to recognition in international football. A title-winning run can establish a clear case, but a breakthrough performance on the world stage can be just as memorable. Cape Verde’s first-ever progress to the World Cup round of 32, for example, represents a milestone that goes beyond a single match and could resonate with voters and supporters alike.
Lagos to Host the CAF Awards on 7 December
CAF will hold the 2026 awards ceremony on 7 December in Lagos, Nigeria. Winners across the various categories will be announced once the nomination process has concluded. The event is expected to bring together players, coaches, officials and supporters to celebrate achievements across African football.
For now, the shortlists set up two compelling races: a club award featuring continental champions and ambitious challengers, and a national-team contest shaped by AFCON success, World Cup progress and historic breakthroughs. As the ceremony approaches, fans will be watching closely to see whether the favourites deliver—or whether the final prediction is overturned by a surprise winner.
