A total of 147 clubs from across Africa have applied to participate in the 2026 Cheetah Cup, underlining the rapid growth and rising prestige of one of the continent’s emerging youth football tournaments.
The competition is scheduled to take place from August 17 to August 24, 2026, in Senya Beraku, Ghana, and will mark the fifth edition of the tournament since its inception in 2022.
Originally introduced by Cheetah Football Club Ltd as Ghana’s response to global youth football competitions, the Cheetah Cup began with just 16 clubs from within the country. Over the years, it has expanded significantly, attracting interest from clubs across Africa and positioning itself as a key platform for young talent development.
The 2025 edition featured 24 boys’ teams from 13 African countries, including Ghana, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Togo, Burkina Faso, Nigeria, Niger, Cameroon, Guinea, Gambia, Mali, Benin, and Ivory Coast. Nacoro FA emerged champions in the boys’ division, while Faith Ladies clinched the title in the women’s category, which made its debut with four teams.
For the 2026 edition, interest has surged even further. Out of the 147 applications received, 128 are from boys’ clubs—comprising 90 Ghanaian teams and 38 from other African countries—while 19 applications have come from women’s clubs, with 12 based in Ghana and 7 from outside the country.
In response to the growing interest in the women’s game, organizers have expanded the women’s competition from four teams to eight for this year’s tournament, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity and the development of female football across the continent.
The Local Organising Committee (LOC) has until May 15, 2026, to select and invite the final list of participating teams—24 boys’ clubs and 8 women’s clubs—for the tournament.
Beyond competition, the Cheetah Cup aims to create career opportunities for young African footballers while also generating economic value for participating clubs. The 2026 edition is proudly backed by High Protein as the official title sponsor, further boosting the tournament’s profile and support base.
With increasing participation and continental representation, the Cheetah Cup continues to grow into a vital platform for nurturing Africa’s next generation of football stars.