The countdown to Africa’s biggest football spectacle has officially begun, with the Confederation of African Football confirming that the draw for the AFCON 2027 qualifiers will be held on May 19, 2026.
A total of 48 national teams are set to enter the race for a place at the expanded continental showpiece, branded AFCON Pamoja 2027—a historic edition to be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
The tri-nation hosting marks a significant milestone for East African football, underlining the region’s growing influence on the continental stage.
The qualification format will see the 48 teams divided into 12 groups of four, with only the top two sides from each group advancing to the tournament.
The structure promises a fiercely competitive campaign, leaving little margin for error as traditional heavyweights and emerging nations alike battle for limited slots.
CAF has also outlined the international windows for the qualifiers, which will be spread across three key periods: September to October 2026, November 2026, and March 2027.
These windows are expected to deliver a packed schedule of high-stakes fixtures across the continent, as teams jostle for supremacy and qualification.
With the draw date now confirmed, attention will shift to team preparations, squad building, and tactical planning ahead of what promises to be an intense qualification journey. For many nations, the road to AFCON 2027 will not only test depth and consistency but also resilience under pressure.
As anticipation builds, the message from CAF is clear: the path to East Africa in 2027 is officially open—and only the best will make it.
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