Africa Netball Clarifies World Cup Qualifiers and Africa Cup Format

Africa Netball has acknowledged confusion surrounding the combined Netball World Cup Qualifiers and Africa Cup format, announcing that countries that have already qualified for the World Cup will not be accommodated in the same tournament as teams competing for qualification in future editions.

In a statement shared on its social media platforms, the continental governing body explained that the decision to combine the two competitions was initially made to address financial challenges faced by several member countries and improve accessibility to participation.

However, Africa Netball has since recognised that the combined format has proved impractical and created confusion among participating nations and stakeholders.

“Going forward, we will not accommodate countries that have already qualified for the World Cup into the same tournament as the qualifiers,” Africa Netball stated.

World Netball Confirms Semi-Final Format

Meanwhile, World Netball has clarified the competition format for the ongoing Netball World Cup Sydney 2027 Qualifier Africa, confirming that the top two teams from each pool advance to the semi-finals and final, in accordance with the official competition regulations.

Following the conclusion of the pool stages, the semi-final fixtures have been confirmed as follows:

• South Africa vs Malawi
• Uganda vs Namibia

The clarification settles uncertainty surrounding the knockout stage, including discussions about whether quarter-final matches would be introduced before the semi-finals.

The confirmed format means that the top two teams from each pool proceed directly to the semi-finals, with the winners advancing to the final.

Kenya Misses Out on Semi-Final Qualification

Kenya finished third in Pool 2 with four points after recording two wins and two defeats. The result means the hosts did not advance to the semi-final stage, with Uganda and Malawi finishing as the top two teams in the pool.

Malawi and Namibia have subsequently been confirmed as the two nations to be invited by World Netball to compete at the Sydney 2027 Netball World Cup, joining South Africa and Uganda, who had already secured their places through their world rankings.

The development provides clarity on the African representation for the 2027 global tournament, while the semi-finalists continue their pursuit of the continental title.

Africa Netball World Cup Qualifiers – Pool Standings

Kasarani, Nairobi | 23 September 2026

WOMEN – POOL 1

1. South Africa – 8 points
2. Namibia – 6 points
3. Zimbabwe – 4 points
4. Botswana – 2 points
5. Tanzania – 0 points

WOMEN – POOL 2

1. Uganda – 8 points
2. Malawi – 6 points
3. Kenya – 4 points
4. Zambia – 2 points
5. Nigeria – 0 points

MEN

1. South Africa – 8 points
2. Eswatini – 6 points
3. Uganda – 4 points
4. Kenya – 2 points
5. Malawi – 0 points