Mozambique's national football team represents a country on the southeastern coast of Africa, with Maputo — the capital and largest city — serving as the heart of the nation's football culture. The team competes under the jurisdiction of the Mozambican Football Federation and participates in CAF (Confederation of African Football) competitions, including the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
Football in Mozambique has deep roots stretching back to the colonial era, when Portuguese settlers and local communities embraced the sport. Club football in Maputo flourished through sides such as CD Costa do Sol, Clube Ferroviário de Maputo, and CD Maxaquene, which became pillars of the domestic game and helped develop generations of local talent.
One of the most celebrated footballers connected to Mozambique is Eusébio, born in Maputo (then known as Lourenço Marques) during Portuguese colonial rule. Although he went on to represent Portugal internationally, his Mozambican origins remain a profound source of national pride and a symbol of the footballing talent the country can produce.
The national team has faced considerable challenges in consistently qualifying for major continental tournaments, reflecting broader developmental hurdles in African football infrastructure. Nevertheless, football remains the most popular sport in the country, uniting fans across its diverse regions from Maputo in the south to Nampula in the north.
In the current decade, Mozambique continues to develop its football programme, investing in youth structures and domestic competition. The national team's identity is built on resilience and a growing sense of footballing pride, with Maputo's club culture providing the foundation for the country's footballing ambitions on the continental stage.