CAF confirmed the full schedule for AFCON 2027 as East Africa prepares to host the tournament. Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda will stage the event from 19 June to 17 July 2027. The competition returns to the region for the first time since 1976.
CAF AFCON 2027 qualifiers dates and structure
CAF AFCON 2027 qualifiers dates follow a clear structure. The draw takes place on 19 May 2026. Forty‑eight teams enter the qualifiers, including the three co‑hosts. They will compete across three FIFA international windows.
Matchdays 1 and 2 run from 21 September to 6 October 2026. Matchdays 3 and 4 follow from 9 to 17 November 2026. The final rounds, Matchdays 5 and 6, take place from 22 to 30 March 2027. CAF will divide the teams into 12 groups of four. The top two nations in each group qualify for the tournament.
East Africa prepares for a landmark edition
The 2027 tournament offers a major moment for East Africa. CAF expects the event to reach more than 400 million people across the region. The opening match and final will take place in one of the three host nations. CAF will confirm the selected venue later.
Building on recent AFCON momentum
CAF aims to build on the success of recent editions. Morocco 2025 and Côte d’Ivoire 2023 delivered strong global audiences and commercial growth. The organisation expects AFCON 2027 to continue that trend and strengthen African football’s global profile.