COSAFA Cup 2025/26

The Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) organises the COSAFA Cup, a senior men’s international football tournament. It serves as the region’s primary competition, sitting below continental events like the Africa Cup of Nations without acting as a qualifier for those prizes. The event was established in 1997, replacing the Southern Africa Cup which had run intermittently since 1979.

The tournament typically gathers teams from all member nations, though the field can shift with guest invitations or withdrawals. Since 2008, the competition has largely operated as a single-venue event. The current structure divides participants into groups, with the top sides moving to semi-finals and a final. Angola claimed the 2025 title by beating South Africa 3–0 in the deciding match.

Zambia stands out as the most successful nation, holding seven titles. Zimbabwe follows with six, while South Africa and Angola each possess five. The competition has faced disruptions, notably between 2010 and 2014 due to financial pressures, and in 2020 because of the pandemic. Recent editions have been under the Hollywoodbets sponsorship banner.

The tournament differs from the CECAFA Cup, which covers East and Central Africa. While some nations have historical links to both, Zambia dominates the southern region. The COSAFA Cup remains a key benchmark for Southern African football, focusing on regional rivalry rather than continental advancement.