AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: A Complete Guide to Teams, Schedule, and Key Players

Introduction to AFCON 2027 Qualifiers

The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers are set to begin on September 21, 2026. This tournament marks a significant moment in African football, with the competition returning to East Africa after a 51-year hiatus. The host nations—Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania—are all preparing to welcome teams from across the continent for an intense six-round qualifying process that will ultimately determine 24 teams advancing to the finals.

Host Nations and Tournament Dates

The 36th edition of AFCON is scheduled to run from June 19 to July 17, 2027. The tournament will be hosted across ten venues located in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania:

• Tanzania: Dar-es-Salaam, Arusha, Zanzibar
• Kenya: Nairobi
• Uganda: Hoima, Kampala, Lira

This geographical spread offers a unique opportunity for fans from all three countries to engage with the competition, while also highlighting Africa's footballing diversity.

Qualification Format and Group Structure

The 48 participating teams are divided into twelve groups of four. Each group will play a home-and-away format, resulting in six matches per team. The top two teams from each group advance to the finals, with an exception for host nations.

In groups containing Kenya, Uganda, or Tanzania, only the highest-ranked team outside these host countries will qualify. This ensures that all three nations retain one spot while giving others a fair chance at advancement.

Teams in Each Group

The draw took place in Cairo, Egypt, in May 2026. Below is the full breakdown of teams by group:

• 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

Key Qualifying Matches

Matches in the first two rounds are set to begin on September 24, 2026. Here are some of the most anticipated fixtures:

• Ivory Coast vs Ghana – Thursday, September 24 at 19:00 GMT
• Nigeria vs Madagascar – Friday, September 25 at 16:00 GMT
• Morocco vs Gabon – Friday, September 25 at 19:00 GMT
• Egypt vs Angola – Friday, September 25 at 19:00 GMT
• Algeria vs Zambia – Friday, September 25 at 19:00 GMT
• Senegal vs Mozambique – Friday, September 25 at 19:00 GMT
• South Africa vs Guinea – Saturday, September 26 at 16:00 GMT

Qualifying Schedule Overview

The six rounds of qualifiers are spread across three FIFA international windows:

• Rounds 1 & 2: September 21–October 6, 2026
• Rounds 3 & 4: November 9–17, 2026
• Rounds 5 & 6: March 22–30, 2027

This distribution allows for flexibility in scheduling while keeping teams and fans engaged throughout the process.

Top Players to Watch

Several stars are expected to make a significant impact in these qualifiers. Notable names include:

"Two-time African Footballer of the Year Mohamed Salah, who now plays club football for Trabzonspor in the Turkish Super Lig, stars in record seven-time African champions Egypt's squad."

Other key figures include Real Madrid forward Brahim Diaz and young midfielder Ayyoub Bouaddi from Morocco, as well as Ademola Lookman and Samuel Chukwueze from Nigeria. In Ghana, the return of attacking midfielder Mohammed Kudus is a major boost, while Senegal's midfield features talents like Ibrahim Mbaye and Iliman Ndiaye.

Notable Absences

Several high-profile players will be missing from their teams during early matches due to suspensions or injuries:

• Morocco will be without captain Achraf Hakimi for two matches after a ban related to behavior in the AFCON final.
• Senegal's Sadio Mane is out due to a physical issue, and will miss the match against Mozambique.
• Nigeria's Victor Osimhen has been ruled out of the opening rounds due to injury sustained during his club duties.
• In addition, players such as Naby Keita from Guinea, Hannibal Mejbri from Tunisia, and Amad Diallo from Ivory Coast are also sidelined with injuries.

Many established figures have also announced their intention to retire from international football. These include Riyad Mahrez, Edouard Mendy, and Inaki Williams, who have all contributed significantly to their nations' successes in recent years.

How to Follow the Action

Fans across Africa can watch live coverage of the qualifiers through various broadcasters:

• North Africa and Middle East: beIN SPORTS
• Sub-Saharan Africa: SuperSport
• East Africa: Azam TV, TBC Tanzania, KBC Kenya
• South Africa: SABC Sport
• Francophone Africa: Canal+

Al Jazeera Sport will provide live coverage of selected matches, ensuring global access to the excitement.

Historical Context and Recent Controversies

The most recent AFCON final was a dramatic affair. Senegal defeated Morocco 1-0 in extra time, but the victory was later stripped due to controversial decisions made during the final. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) awarded the title to Morocco following an investigation into what happened at the end of normal time.

"CAF's decision sparked outrage among Senegalese fans and players alike, leading to an appeal being filed with the Court of Arbitration for Sport on October 8."

This incident underscores the importance of integrity in football competitions and sets a precedent for future tournaments.

Looking Ahead: What's Next?

With over 40 teams competing, AFCON 2027 promises to be one of the most competitive and emotionally charged tournaments in recent memory. As we move into the qualifying phase, each match becomes crucial not only for advancement but also for determining the future stars of African football.

Our analysis will continue to cover all developments, from early surprises to late-game drama, providing a comprehensive look at the journey ahead for both teams and fans alike.