AFCON 2027 Qualifiers Overview: Teams, Key Players, Schedule, Format, and Match Details
As the qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations kick off this Thursday, a spirit of anticipation fills the air, uniting football fans across the continent. This year, the tournament returns to East Africa for the first time in over half a century, with Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda proudly cohosting the event, showcasing the vibrant football culture and spirit of the region. The competitive format promises to elevate Africa’s rich football legacy, as 48 nations vie for a chance to shine on this prestigious stage.
The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers begin on Thursday, featuring 48 teams competing for spots in Africa’s largest football tournament. Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda will cohost the AFCON tournament, marking its return to East Africa for the first time in 51 years.
The qualifying teams are divided into 12 groups, embarking on a six-round process that is set to continue until March of the following year. The draw for the AFCON 2027 qualifiers was held in Cairo, Egypt, in May. The teams participating in the qualifiers are organized into the following groups:
Group A: Morocco, Gabon, Niger, Lesotho
Group B: Egypt, Angola, Malawi, South Sudan
Group C: Ivory Coast, Ghana, The Gambia, Somalia
Group D: South Africa, Guinea, Kenya, Eritrea
Group E: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Sierra Leone, Zimbabwe
Group F: Burkina Faso, Benin, Mauritania, Central African Republic
Group G: Cameroon, Comoros, Namibia, Congo
Group H: Tunisia, Uganda, Libya, Botswana
Group I: Algeria, Zambia, Togo, Burundi
Group J: Senegal, Mozambique, Sudan, Ethiopia
Group K: Mali, Cape Verde, Rwanda, Liberia
Group L: Nigeria, Madagascar, Tanzania, Guinea-Bissau
Highlighting the competition’s excitement, several key matches are scheduled, including:
– Ivory Coast vs. Ghana on September 24 at 19:00 GMT
– Nigeria vs. Madagascar on September 25 at 16:00 GMT
– Morocco vs. Gabon on September 25 at 19:00 GMT
The AFCON 2027 qualifiers will take place over six rounds during FIFA international windows:
– Rounds 1 and 2: September 21 – October 6, 2026
– Rounds 3 and 4: November 9 – 17, 2026
– Rounds 5 and 6: March 22 – 30, 2027
In total, 24 teams will qualify for the AFCON 2027 finals. Typically, the top two teams in each group will advance, although in the groups containing cohosts Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, only the highest-ranked team not among the hosts will qualify.
The tournament is set to be an exciting celebration, with the finals scheduled to be held from June 19 to July 17, 2027, across 10 venues in East Africa, including cities in Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda. Due to its unique heritage and culture, this tournament will undoubtedly make an indelible mark on East African football history.
The most recent AFCON champion, Senegal, defeated Morocco 1-0 in the final held on January 18, but a subsequent ruling by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) controversially stripped Senegal of their title. As the issue heads to the Court of Arbitration for Sport on October 8, the excitement surrounding the upcoming qualifiers continues to grow, amplifying the stakes and narratives within African football.
Star players to watch include Mohamed Salah, leading Egypt, and promising talents from across the continent like Brahim Diaz from Morocco and Nigeria’s Ademola Lookman. As fans gear up for an exhilarating football season, they can follow the matches through various broadcasters worldwide, ensuring the thrilling performances of African football are accessible to everyone.
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