COSAFA U20 Championship 2026/27

The COSAFA U-20 Championship, also referred to as the COSAFA U-20 Youth Championship or the COSAFA Under-20 Challenge, is a regional men's football tournament organized by the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA). Founded in 1983, the competition serves as the primary youth championship for the region, which comprises Southern African nations. It acts as a crucial qualifier for the CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, with the top two finishers typically earning continental spots.

The tournament format currently features eight teams divided into two groups of four, followed by knockout semi-finals, a third-place match, and a final. Participation is by invitation or qualification among COSAFA member associations, with no promotion or relegation system. The event has been held intermittently, with gaps occurring in 2021 and 2023. The 2025 edition marked the 30th tournament.

Zambia holds the record for the most titles with thirteen wins, including victories in 1983, 1986, 1993, 1995, 1997, 1999, 2003, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2016, and 2022. South Africa follows with nine titles, secured in 2000, 2004, 2006, 2008, 2013, 2017, 2018, 2024, and 2025. Zimbabwe ranks third with six titles, won in 1985, 1988, 1990, 2001, 2002, and 2007. Madagascar and Mozambique have each claimed one title, in 2005 and 2020 respectively.

South Africa won the most recent edition in 2025, defeating Malawi 3-0. This contrasts with the senior COSAFA Cup, which is a standalone regional trophy without direct continental qualification implications. The U-20 tournament's age restriction and link to the continental final distinguish its purpose within the confederation's structure.