CAF Awards 2026: 10 Nations Nominated for Best African Men’s National Team

The race for the Best African Men’s National Team award at the 2026 CAF Awards is shaping up to be a competitive contest, with ten countries earning nominations for their performances on the international stage. The shortlist features a blend of established African football powerhouses and nations seeking to strengthen their reputation on the continent. Algeria, Cape Verde, Ivory Coast, DR Congo, Egypt, Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, South Africa and Tunisia are all in contention for the prestigious award.

World Cup performances drive the nominations

The 2026 FIFA World Cup played a major role in shaping the shortlist, with Africa sending a record ten nations to the tournament. Nine progressed to the knockout stages, while Morocco reached the quarter-finals for the second consecutive edition.

Here are the achievements that helped each country earn recognition.

• Algeria: Reached the World Cup Round of 32 after an impressive 3–3 group-stage draw with Austria and a 2–1 victory over Jordan.

• Cape Verde: Made their historic World Cup debut and advanced to the knockout stage, a remarkable achievement for the island nation.

• Ivory Coast: Progressed to the Round of 32, highlighted by a 2–0 group-stage win over Curaçao.

• DR Congo: Qualified for the World Cup through the intercontinental play-offs and reached the Round of 32.

• Egypt: Advanced to the Round of 16 after defeating Australia on penalties in the previous round.

• Ghana: Reached the Round of 32, with a victory over Panama helping secure their place in the knockout stages.

• Morocco: Reached the quarter-finals, becoming the first African nation to achieve that feat at consecutive World Cups.

• Senegal: Advanced to the Round of 32 after a commanding 5–0 victory over Iraq in their final group match.

• South Africa: Reached the Round of 32 after finishing second in their group, including a 1–0 win over South Korea.

• Tunisia: Earned a nomination following their World Cup campaign, although they were unable to progress beyond the group stage.

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Who will win the CAF award?

Morocco and Senegal enter the contest with particularly strong claims, having finished first and second respectively at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations. Morocco's continued success on the global stage further strengthens their position, while Cape Verde's historic World Cup debut makes them one of the most compelling stories on the shortlist.

The winner of the Best African Men’s National Team award will be announced at the CAF Awards ceremony in Lagos, Nigeria, on December 7, 2026.