The organisers of the 2026 Cheetah Cup have announced that this year’s tournament will be played with the official FIFA World Cup match ball, giving young African footballers the unique opportunity to compete with the same ball used on football’s biggest stage.
The initiative follows a similar move in 2024, when the tournament featured the official match ball from the Paris Olympic Games. Organisers say the decision is part of their commitment to providing a world-class experience for the next generation of football stars.
The 2026 Cheetah Cup will be held from August 16 to August 23, 2026, at the Yartel Okoso Pitch in Senya Beraku. A total of 16 boys’ teams and eight girls’ teams will compete for honours.
Dubbed the “Emerging Stars of Africa,” the tournament has grown into one of the continent’s premier youth football competitions. The fifth anniversary edition is expected to attract talented young players from 13 African countries, providing a platform for emerging stars to showcase their abilities before scouts, coaches, and football enthusiasts.
By introducing the official FIFA World Cup match ball, organisers hope to inspire participants and expose them to the highest standards of the game as they pursue their dreams of becoming professional footballers.
The week-long tournament promises exciting action, high-level competition, and another memorable chapter in the growth of youth football across Africa.