Somalia’s football journey is gaining momentum, with renewed investments in infrastructure, growing participation in international tournaments, and rising local enthusiasm.
Once sidelined by insecurity and limited resources, Somali football is now emerging as a beacon of national pride and a symbol of unity across regions.
Reviving Somali Football: A National Priority
The Somali Football Federation (SFF), in partnership with the Ministry of Youth and Sports, has prioritized the revival of the sport.
Major efforts have focused on rehabilitating stadiums like Mogadishu Stadium and building training facilities to support both male and female athletes.
International partners such as FIFA and the Confederation of African Football (CAF) have also played a crucial role.
They offered technical assistance, funding, and capacity-building programs.
In May 2025, a high-level delegation from FIFA and CAF is expected to visit Mogadishu to assess Somalia’s readiness to host future regional competitions.
National Team Developments and Achievements
The Somalia football team, nicknamed the “Ocean Stars,” has shown steady improvement in recent years.
While still facing challenges on the international stage, the team’s participation in World Cup qualifiers and CECAFA (Council for East and Central Africa Football Associations) tournaments reflects growing confidence and capability.
Several Somali players, both local and from the diaspora, are now playing for clubs in Europe, the Middle East, and East Africa — helping bridge gaps in experience and skill.
Grassroots Football and Youth Engagement
Grassroots programs are expanding, especially in regions like Puntland, Jubbaland, and South West State. Where local leagues are providing a platform for young talent.
NGOs and sports academies are also using football as a tool to empower youth, promote peace, and deter recruitment by extremist groups.
Moreover, women’s football in Somalia is slowly gaining attention, despite social and logistical challenges. Organizations such as the Somali Women Sports Association (SWSA) are advocating for more inclusion, and women’s teams have begun forming in Mogadishu and Hargeisa.
Somali Football: Challenges and the Road Ahead
While the future looks promising, Somali football still faces hurdles, including:
- Inadequate funding for local leagues
- Limited access to training gear and medical support
- Security concerns affecting match attendance
However, the national spirit behind the sport is undeniable.
With increasing government and international support, Somalia’s football scene is expected to grow in both scale and quality.
Football is more than just a game in Somalia — it’s a unifying force, a source of hope for the youth, and a tool for diplomacy and peacebuilding. As Somalia continues to strengthen its presence on the continental sports map, the world is beginning to take notice.
