CAF awards: Arab clubs and national teams dominate 2026 shortlists

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the nominees for its 2026 awards for the continent’s best club and best national team, with strong representation from Arab football.

The best club category features 10 teams, led by South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns, who hold the CAF Champions League title, and Algeria’s USM Alger, winners of the CAF Confederation Cup.

Algerian side CR Belouizdad are also included, along with three Moroccan clubs: FAR Rabat, Olympic Safi and RS Berkane.

The remaining nominees are Zamalek of Egypt, AS Maniema Union of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Sudanese club Al Hilal and Esperance Sportive de Tunis.

The shortlist reflects the presence of clubs from across North Africa, as well as representatives from southern, central and eastern parts of the continent.

The national team award also has 10 nominees, including Morocco, winners of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, and runners-up Senegal.

Egypt are among the candidates after reaching the round of 16 at the 2026 World Cup. Cape Verde have also been nominated after reaching the round of 32 at the tournament for the first time in their history.

Algeria and Tunisia complete the North African representation in the national team category.

The other nominees are Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and South Africa.

The CAF Awards 2026 ceremony is scheduled to take place in Lagos, Nigeria, on 7 December. Winners across the various categories will be announced after the nomination stage has concluded.