Hamilton, Ontario – August 2026 – The African Canadian Youth Sports Network (ACYSN) and the Welcoming Francophone Community of Hamilton ((Communauté francophone accueillante de Hamilton – CFA Hamilton) are proud to announce the 10th Edition of the Hamilton Africa Cup of Nations, taking place on August 15 and 16, 2026. This event also marks the 4th Edition of the Francophone Multisport Tournament organized annually by CFA Hamilton.
A First-Time Collaboration
For the first time, these two events are joining forces. On one side, ACYSN celebrates the 10th edition of its African soccer tournament, which has become a cornerstone event in the Hamilton community. On the other, CFA Hamilton incorporates soccer into the heart of its annual multisport tournament, which has featured various disciplines over the years, including basketball, athletics, and volleyball. Together, they form an even larger, more unifying event that reflects the diversity of Hamilton.
Quotes
“For the past ten years, the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) Hamilton has demonstrated the unique power of sport to unite people across cultures, languages, and generations. What began as a small community tournament has grown into one of Hamilton’s premier multicultural sporting events, bringing together athletes from across Africa and beyond to compete with pride, respect, and sportsmanship. Our partnership with CFA Hamilton this year marks an exciting new chapter, expanding our reach and reinforcing our shared commitment to inclusion, community engagement, and celebrating the rich diversity that makes Hamilton stronger. Together, we are not only competing on the field—we are building lasting friendships, strengthening our communities, and inspiring the next generation through the universal language of sport.”
Collins Kyere, President, African Canadian Youth Sports Network (ACYSN)
“This tournament is about much more than sport. It reflects our mission: creating spaces where Francophone newcomers can integrate, build connections, and truly feel at home in Hamilton. By joining forces with ACYSN for this 10th edition, we are offering our community a unique opportunity to celebrate diversity, culture, and belonging — together.” — Nabila Sissaoui, Coordinator, Communauté francophone accueillante de Hamilton (CFA Hamilton)
Participating Teams
This year’s tournament will feature 16 nations representing the rich diversity of the African continent, offering exciting competition while celebrating African heritage, inclusion, and community pride.
The teams, listed in alphabetical order:
- Botswana
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Cabo Verde
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Cameroon
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Chad
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Democratic Republic of Congo
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Djibouti 7. Ethiopia 8. Gambia
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Ghana
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Liberia
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Niger
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Nigeria
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Sierra Leone
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Somalia
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Uganda
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Zimbabwe
Two-Day Program
Day 1 – Saturday, August 15, 2026 | Group stage
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Mohawk Sports Park, 1100 Mohawk Rd E, Hamilton
Sixteen African teams will compete in the group stage to earn their place in the final. Players and spectators will also have access to a free health check (diabetes screening, blood pressure measurement, etc.), as well as information on Black Mental Health and the AMANI Youth Program, offered on-site by Hamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre, one of the event’s partners. Their nursing team will also provide first aid services throughout the games on both days.
Day 2 – Sunday, August 16, 2026 | Championship Final
Doors open at 2:00 p.m. – Kick-off at 3:00 p.m. | Hamilton Stadium, 64 Melrose Ave. North, Hamilton
The two finalist teams will face off for the title. A trophy and medal ceremony will follow at approximately 5:30 p.m., recognizing the 1st and 2nd place teams, as well as the Best Goalkeeper and Top Scorer.
Financial Partners
This event is made possible thanks to the financial support of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, the Hamilton Community Foundation, the Hamilton Urban Core Community Health Centre, the City of Hamilton, and the Centre francophone Hamilton.
About the African Canadian Youth Sports Network (ACYSN)
The African Canadian Youth Sports Network (ACYSN) is a non-profit organization incorporated on February 5, 2021, with roots dating back to 2016. ACYSN is dedicated to promoting youth development, healthy living, social inclusion, and community engagement through sport.
The organization traces its origins to the inaugural Hamilton Africa Cup of Nations, launched in 2016 by the Ghana Association of Hamilton in collaboration with Empowerment Squared. What began as a two-day soccer tournament featuring four African nations at Tim Hortons Field has grown into one of Hamilton’s premier multicultural sporting events, celebrating its 10th edition in 2026. The tournament brings together African communities and residents from diverse backgrounds to celebrate culture, unity, and sportsmanship through soccer.
Beyond the annual tournament, ACYSN operates an affordable, accessible, and inclusive year-round soccer development program for children ages U6 to U12 in Hamilton. The program provides young players from all backgrounds with opportunities to develop their soccer skills, build confidence, stay active, and form lasting friendships in a safe and welcoming environment. By removing barriers to participation and fostering a sense of belonging, ACYSN is helping to develop the next generation of athletes and community leaders.
Through its programs and partnerships, ACYSN continues to use sport as a powerful tool to unite communities, promote diversity and inclusion, and create opportunities for youth and families across Hamilton. Learn more: www.acysn.com
About the Communauté francophone accueillante de Hamilton (CFA Hamilton)
The Communauté francophone accueillante de Hamilton (CFA Hamilton) is an initiative funded by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and coordinated by the Réseau en immigration francophone du Centre-Sud-Ouest (RIFCSO) since 2019. It aims to support the socioeconomic and cultural integration of French-speaking immigrants and refugees in the Hamilton region. Through sports, cultural, and community activities, CFA Hamilton helps build an inclusive, vibrant, and welcoming Francophone community. Learn more : www.DestinationHamilton.org
About the Réseau en immigration francophone du Centre-Sud-Ouest (RIFCSO)
RIFCSO is a provincial consultation and planning mechanism that brings together francophone organizations and partners engaged in the reception and settlement of newly arrived Frenchspeaking individuals in Southwestern Ontario. Since 2019, it has been responsible for coordinating the CFA initiative in Hamilton and London, in order to strengthen the reception capacities of local francophone communities. Learn more : www.ReseauSoutien.org
For more information:
Loan Nguyen
Promotion officer, Welcoming francophone community of Hamilton, RIFCSO. Tel : 905-528-0163, Ext. 3285 Email : Loan.nguyen@cschn.ca
Collins Kyere
President, African Canadian Youth Sports Network Tel : 905-928-2871 Email : acysnetwork@gmail.com
