Omanghana
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially confirmed the 16 national teams set to compete in the 2026 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations, which will be hosted in Morocco from May 13 to June 2, 2026. The tournament brings together Africa’s most promising young football talents and serves as a key platform for the next generation of stars.
The participating teams secured their places through a series of regional qualifying tournaments held across CAF’s six football zones. Host nation Morocco will be joined by North African rivals Algeria, Egypt, and Tunisia. From West Africa, Senegal, Mali, and Guinea-Bissau qualified via the WAFU A zone, while Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana advanced from WAFU B. Central Africa will be represented by Cameroon and DR Congo, with Tanzania, Uganda, and Ethiopia qualifying from the CECAFA region. Southern Africa’s representatives include South Africa, Angola, and Mozambique.
Following the confirmation of the qualified teams, the official group stage draw was held in Cairo on April 8, 2026, producing four highly competitive groups. Group A features Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, and Ethiopia, setting up a strong North African contest alongside East African challengers. Group B includes Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Uganda, and DR Congo, while Group C brings together Mali, Angola, Tanzania, and Mozambique. Group D is expected to be particularly intense, with Senegal, South Africa, Algeria, and Ghana all vying for qualification.
This edition of the tournament carries historic significance beyond continental glory. It will act as the qualification pathway for the expanded 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup, scheduled to take place in Qatar. For the first time, Africa has been allocated 10 slots at the global tournament, a major increase that reflects the continent’s growing influence in world football.
Under the qualification format, the top two teams from each of the four groups will automatically secure places at the World Cup. The remaining two slots will be decided through play-off matches involving the third-placed teams, adding an extra layer of competition and opportunity for emerging sides.
With increased stakes and expanded global representation on the line, the 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations is expected to deliver high-intensity matches and showcase the depth of football talent across the continent. As teams prepare for kickoff in Morocco, the tournament promises not only regional rivalry but also a gateway to the world stage for Africa’s brightest young players.
Source: Omanghana
