2027 AFCON Qualifiers: CAF Announces Group Stage Draw Date and Competition Format

Details regarding the 2027 AFCON qualifiers have been released by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The continental body announced the date of the group stage draw and the competition format.

Thirteen groups will be formed following the draw. The number of teams per group will vary between three and four. At the end of the competition, the group winners and the three best runners-up will automatically qualify for the final tournament.

These 16 teams will join the three host countries, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, who have already qualified. These three countries co-hosted the CHAN this year.

The 10 other second-placed teams from their groups will compete in a playoff round. Matches will be played over two legs. The winning teams will advance to the final tournament.

While the draw for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers is scheduled for December 19 in Rabat, Morocco, the first two matchdays will be played in March 2026.