CAF announces 2027 AFCON qualifying schedule with matches set for September 2026 start

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed the international windows for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers, with the qualification campaign set to begin in September 2026.

According to the schedule released by CAF, the opening rounds of qualifying matches will be played during the September/October 2026 international window, with teams expected to complete the first two rounds between September 23 and 29.

Round 1 of the qualifiers will take place from September 23–25, followed by Round 2 from September 27–29. CAF has also indicated that participating teams must be given a minimum of two full rest days between matches to ensure player welfare and proper preparation.

Following the completion of the second round of fixtures, Member Associations will have the opportunity to organise international friendly matches between October 1 and 6, 2026.

The qualifiers will continue in November 2026, with Round 3 scheduled for November 11–13, before Round 4 takes place from November 15–17.

The final phase of the qualification campaign will be held in March 2027, with Rounds 5 and 6 scheduled between March 22 and 30. These fixtures will determine the teams that secure qualification for the continent’s biggest football tournament.

The 2027 AFCON will be jointly hosted by East African nations Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, marking the first time the three countries will stage the continental showpiece together.

The tournament is expected to bring together Africa’s top national teams as they compete for the prestigious title, with the qualifiers set to provide the pathway for nations aiming to reach the finals.