The September 2026 international break will open a new chapter for several African national teams, with the qualifying campaign for CAN 2027 providing an immediate competitive test for recently appointed coaches.
Senegal, Gabon, Cote d’Ivoire, Algeria and Cape Verde will all begin this phase under new management. Their opening matches will offer an early indication of the coaches’ tactical ideas, squad selections and plans for the qualification campaign.
Senegal – Patrick Vieira’s first test
Patrick Vieira will take charge of Senegal for the first time after being appointed in August as the successor to Pape Thiaw. The former France international is embarking on his first role as a national-team manager.
The Lions of Teranga begin their CAN 2027 qualifying campaign against Mozambique on 25 September, before travelling to Ethiopia four days later.
Vieira will be without Sadio Mane, who has been left out of his first squad because of a physical problem. Nicolas Jackson, Iliman Ndiaye, Ismaila Sarr and Pape Matar Sarr are among the established players available to the new manager.
Gabon – Migne begins without Aubameyang
Gabon have also entered a new era after appointing Sebastien Migne in July. The French coach has signed a contract running until 2029, with his initial priority being to lead the Panthers to CAN 2027.
Migne’s first competitive fixtures will come away to Morocco on 25 September and at home to Niger on 29 September. The two matches will provide an early view of his selection decisions and his approach to rebuilding the team.
The transition comes after Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang announced his retirement from international football at the start of September. The new coaching staff must therefore work without the former captain and the Panthers’ all-time leading scorer.
Cote d’Ivoire – Renard returns
Herve Renard’s return is one of the main developments of the international window. He has replaced Emerse Fae and begun a second spell in charge of Cote d’Ivoire.
Renard has included eight uncapped players in his first squad, including Patrick Zabi, Eddy Doue, Amadou Kone, Malick Yalcouye and Christ Tape.
The Elephants will play Ghana in Bouake on 24 September, then face Somalia on 29 September, followed by a friendly against Cameroon.
Algeria – Hemdani takes charge
Brahim Hemdani was appointed Algeria manager at the start of September following Vladimir Petkovic’s departure. The former Algeria international arrives after leading the country’s Under-21 side to the title at the 2026 Mediterranean Games.
His first major assignment will be a home qualifier against Zambia on 25 September. Algeria will then travel to Burundi four days later.
Cape Verde – Bettencourt steps up
Humberto Bettencourt has become Cape Verde manager after serving as an assistant to Pedro Leitao Brito, known as Bubista. He was promoted following his predecessor’s departure and has spent six years working alongside him.
The Blue Sharks face Mali on 25 September before hosting Rwanda four days later. After reaching the 2026 World Cup for the first time, Cape Verde begin a new cycle under Bettencourt.