Proposed schedule for 2028 AFCON qualifiers and finals unveiled

Whilst the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations is due to take place next year, planning for the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers is already underway.

The schedule for the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers includes a preliminary round in June 2027, followed by the group stage between September and November of the same year.

The preliminary round could take place from 7 to 15 June 2027. It will see the continent’s 12 lowest-ranked national teams face off in two-legged ties as they battle to secure their place in the group stage.

Following this stage, 48 national teams will take part in the qualifiers. Four matchdays could be played between 20 September and 5 October 2027, before the final two matchdays, which could be scheduled from 8 to 16 November 2027.

The participating teams will be vying for a place in the finals, which could take place from 7 June to 10 July 2028. However, the fixture list is yet to be confirmed by CAF.

At present, the host country has not yet been designated. CAF has, however, invited its Member Associations to submit their bids to host the competition.

In the meantime, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda will co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled to take place from 19 June to 17 July 2027.