Qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) football tournament are set to begin on Thursday, September 24, involving 48 national teams. These qualifying matches mark the initial phase of competition to determine the participants in the prestigious continental championship. The continental finals will be hosted by East African nations Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda in 2027. The tournament is scheduled to take place from June 19 to July 17, 2027, with 24 teams ultimately participating in the finals. The 48 competing teams have been divided into 12 groups, each comprising four nations. This group stage format will see teams battle for qualification spots over several rounds of matches. Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania have automatically qualified for the finals as host countries, ensuring their presence in the main tournament.
Qualifying Round Details
The group stage of the qualifiers is set to commence on Thursday, September 24, marking the official start of the road to the 2027 AFCON. The qualifying matches will continue until Tuesday, October 6, concluding the second round of fixtures. During this initial period, a total of 24 matches across 12 groups are scheduled between Thursday and Saturday, September 26. Competition begins on Thursday with eight matches in Groups Three, Five, Six, Seven, and Eight, setting the stage for intense early rivalries. The top two teams from each group will qualify for the finals, with exceptions for Groups Four, Eight, and Twelve due to the host nations' automatic qualification status.
Qualifiers are set to resume between November 9 and 17, with teams continuing their campaigns to secure a spot in the finals. The final two rounds of the qualification process are scheduled for March 22 to 30, 2027, which will determine the remaining qualifiers. Among the host nations, Uganda will start its campaign away against Tunisia, facing an early test on foreign soil. Meanwhile, Tanzania faces Guinea-Bissau in its opening fixture. Kenya, another host country, will play Eritrea, as all three co-hosts prepare for their respective qualification journeys despite their automatic berths.
In Group Four, the highest-ranked team, excluding Kenya, will qualify alongside the host nation. This ensures that while Kenya is guaranteed a spot, another competitive team from their group will also advance. The same qualification system applies to Groups Eight and Twelve, which include Uganda and Tanzania, respectively. This mechanism is designed to allow other deserving teams from groups containing host nations to still have a clear path to the finals.
Notable Matchups and Teams
The match between Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana is scheduled to take place in Bouaké at 19:00 GMT, promising a high-stakes encounter between two continental powerhouses. Egypt, a seven-time African champion, is set to face Angola in Group Two of the qualifiers, a fixture that will draw significant attention. Algeria, the 2012 African champion, will play against Zambia, as both teams look to make a strong start to their qualification bids.
Ghana has recalled several players who were absent from the 2026 World Cup campaign for these qualifiers, aiming to bolster their squad with experienced talent. However, Nigeria's prominent star, Victor Osimhen, will miss the first two qualifying matches due to a muscle injury, a significant blow for the Super Eagles. These matchups highlight early tests for several national teams aiming for the 2027 tournament, showcasing the competitive nature of the qualification process from the outset.
Coaching and Host Nation Context
Following the 2026 World Cup finals, coach Vladimir Petkovic has been succeeded by Ibrahim Hamdani, marking a new era for his national team. Meanwhile, coach Pitso Mosimane is set to return to lead his national team for the third time, bringing a wealth of experience to their campaign. Kenya has already secured qualification for the finals as one of the co-hosting nations, ensuring their participation in the main event. This automatic qualification allows them to focus on preparations for hosting the tournament while other nations battle it out in the qualifiers. The involvement of multiple host nations in East Africa for the 2027 edition marks a significant moment for football in the region.