NFA Cup Set to Bring 2025/2026 Football Season to a Close
The 2025/2026 football season in Namibia is expected to conclude with the NFA Cup, a nationwide knockout competition involving clubs from various divisions in both the men’s and women’s categories.
The tournament was initially announced as the pathway for Namibia’s representative in the 2026/2027 CAF Confederation Cup, with the winners expected to join league champions African Stars FC, who have already qualified for the CAF Champions League after winning the domestic league title.
However, uncertainty remains over who will ultimately secure Namibia’s CAF Confederation Cup slot, as conflicting information continues to emerge from football leadership circles.
While some officials maintain that the NFA Cup champions will qualify for the continental competition, others have reportedly indicated that the CAF Confederation Cup place could instead be awarded to the runners-up of the domestic Premier League. So far, there has been no detailed or unified clarification from the Namibia Football Association (NFA), leaving clubs and supporters uncertain over the final qualification criteria.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding continental qualification, preparations for the NFA Cup continue across the country.
The competition structure includes clubs from the Third Division, Regional Second Division, First Division streams, Premier League, futsal and women’s football. Third Division streams and Women’s Regional Leagues are competing in knockout tournaments, while Regional Second Division clubs are battling for qualification into the competition proper.
The First Division streams are also hosting knockout rounds, with winners advancing to the main tournament.
The competition proper will feature 32 teams consisting of 16 Premier League clubs, three First Division winners and 13 Second Division winners. Futsal teams and Women’s Super League clubs will gain direct entry into their respective competition proper stages.
Some regions and Third Division streams did not play their fixtures on the originally scheduled dates earlier this month, with several matches now expected to take place during this week and next week as organisers work to complete preliminary rounds.
According to the competition calendar, the Round of 32 matches are scheduled for 29–30 May 2026, followed by the Round of 16 on 5–6 June. Quarterfinal fixtures are set for 12–13 June, while the semifinals will be played on 19–20 June.
The competition is expected to conclude on 26–27 June 2026 with the third-place playoff and final.
