CAF unveils the schedule for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers

No sooner had the 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations ended with Senegal's victory than all eyes turned to the 36th edition. The Confederation of African Football has informed the national teams of the schedule for the qualifiers for this edition, which will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

The 48 nations competing for a place in the final phase in East Africa will have to battle hard with a very tight schedule to secure their ticket. The first window of these qualifiers will be played from 21 September to 6 October 2026. In the space of just 15 days, the African teams will play the first four match days. The fifth and sixth rounds, which will decide which nations qualify, will be played from 9 to 17 November 2026.

It is a demanding race organised by CAF on the road to the Africa Cup of Nations in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.