2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations kicks off today as next generation of stars take center stage

The Africa U-17 Cup of Nations (AFCON) officially gets underway today in Morocco, launching a tournament widely regarded as one of the continent’s most important showcases for emerging football talent.

Across the host nation, attention turns to the next wave of African stars, with 16 teams divided into four competitive groups, all chasing continental glory and a place in the history books.

The competition is expected to serve as a defining platform for young players aiming to announce themselves on the international stage.

Groups set the tone for a fierce battle

The draw has produced a balanced but highly competitive lineup:

Group A: Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Ethiopia

Group B: Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Uganda, DR Congo (debut)

Group C: Mali, Angola, Tanzania, Mozambique

Group D: Senegal, South Africa, Algeria, Ghana

Each group carries its own storyline, from Morocco’s home advantage to DR Congo’s tournament debut and traditional powerhouses such as Senegal, Mali and Côte d’Ivoire all entering as strong contenders.

Opening day fixtures highlight heavyweight clashes

The tournament begins immediately with a packed opening day schedule featuring four high-profile matches spread across Groups A and B.

Egypt face Ethiopia at 1:00 PM GMT in a Group A encounter that already carries early pressure for both sides. Shortly after, Côte d’Ivoire meet Cameroon in a blockbuster Group B clash between two of Africa’s most respected youth football systems.

At 4:00 PM GMT, Uganda take on DR Congo in what will be the debut appearance for the Congolese side at this level, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the contest.

The day concludes with the hosts Morocco taking on Tunisia at 7:00 PM GMT, a fixture expected to draw significant attention as Morocco look to start their campaign strongly on home soil.

A tournament built on rising potential

Beyond the fixtures and group standings, the U-17 AFCON remains a crucial development stage for African football. Many of the continent’s biggest names first emerged at this level, and scouts from across the world will once again be watching closely.

With national pride at stake and future careers on the line, the tournament promises intensity, unpredictability, and the early signs of Africa’s next football generation stepping into the spotlight.