CAF Sets May 19 Date for AFCON 2027 Qualifiers Draw
The journey to the next continental showpiece has officially begun, with the Confederation of African Football confirming May 19, 2026, as the date for the draw of the Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
A total of 48 national teams are expected to enter the qualification race, all aiming to secure a place at the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda under the theme “Pamoja,” meaning “together.”
The qualification format will see teams drawn into 12 groups of four, with only the top two nations from each group advancing to the finals. The structure sets the stage for a fiercely contested campaign, with both established giants and rising sides competing for limited spots.
CAF has also outlined the timeline for the qualifiers, with matches scheduled across three international windows—September to October 2026, November 2026, and March 2027. These fixtures will ultimately determine the lineup for the tournament in East Africa.
The 2027 edition represents a landmark moment for the region, marking the first time the three nations will co-host Africa’s premier football competition. Preparations are already underway, with infrastructure development and regional coordination gathering pace ahead of the historic event.
