CAF Sets Date for 2027 AFCON Qualifiers Draw

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed on Saturday that the draw for the qualifiers leading to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will be held on Tuesday at its headquarters in the Sixth of October City, Egypt. The ceremony is scheduled to begin at 3:00 PM Cairo time (12:00 PM GMT).

The tournament itself, co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, is set to run from June 19 to July 17, 2027. This edition will be the first to be staged across three nations and will feature 24 competing teams.

Qualifying Format and Groups

A total of 48 nations will be divided into 12 groups during the qualifying phase. The top two teams from each group will secure their spots in the final tournament. The three co-hosts—Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania—have already guaranteed their places in the finals regardless of their qualifying results.

The qualification process is structured into three rounds, each consisting of two matchdays. The first two rounds are scheduled during the international window from September 21 to October 6, 2026. Rounds three and four will follow from November 9 to 17, 2026, while the final two rounds are set for March 22 to 30, 2027.