Rwanda is set to become the center of East and Central African football in 2026, hosting four high-profile CECAFA tournaments that span club, youth, and women’s competitions. The schedule kicks off with the CECAFA Kagame Cup, returning to Kigali from 18 July to 9 August for the first time in seven years. Elite clubs from the region will battle for the prestigious trophy and a chance to prepare for continental CAF competitions.
Immediately following the Kagame Cup, Rwanda will welcome school teams from across the CECAFA region for the CAF African Schools Championship qualifiers from 22 to 25 July. The event will give young athletes a platform to shine and advance to the continental stage, strengthening football pathways at the grassroots level.
From 22 August to 6 September, Kigali will host the CECAFA qualifiers for the CAF Women’s Champions League, determining which regional women’s club will compete in Africa’s top women’s club tournament. The event highlights Rwanda’s growing role in promoting women’s football in the region.
The football calendar culminates with the CECAFA qualifiers for the CAF U‑17 Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled from 10 to 25 October. Under-17 national teams will compete for a place in the continent’s premier youth championship, offering a crucial opportunity for emerging talent to gain international exposure.
Hosting four regional tournaments in a single year underscores Rwanda’s robust football infrastructure and organizational capacity. From elite clubs to grassroots youth and women’s competitions, the country is positioning itself as a hub for East and Central African football, showcasing its facilities and commitment to the sport on a regional stage.
