CAF announces hosts for major African competitions

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the host countries for several major African football competitions as part of its efforts to establish a more stable and predictable calendar for the continent.

Morocco has been confirmed as the host of the 2027 Africa U-17 Cup of Nations, with the tournament scheduled to take place in April and May 2027.

Ghana, meanwhile, will stage the 2027 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations in February and March next year, while Egypt has been selected to host the 2027 Africa U-23 Cup of Nations.

The U-23 tournament will serve as Africa’s qualifying competition for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

CAF also revealed that it is considering the introduction of a new Africa U-17 Cup of Nations for girls next year, subject to the necessary sporting and organisational requirements being met.

The proposed competition would form part of CAF’s continued investment in women’s football, providing young female players across the continent with another platform to gain international experience and develop their careers.

Morocco will also host the 2026 Africa Futsal Cup of Nations from October 12 to 21, while Senegal will stage the 2026 Africa Beach Soccer Cup of Nations in November.

CAF further provided an update on the proposed African Nations League, confirming that discussions on the format of the competition have taken place within the CAF Executive Committee.

The proposed tournament is part of CAF’s broader strategy to provide its member associations with more meaningful international fixtures while creating a competition with greater commercial appeal.

Meanwhile, South Africa has been confirmed as the host of the 2026 CAF Super Cup.

The match will be played in Tshwane on Sunday, November 8, 2026, with CAF Champions League winners Mamelodi Sundowns taking on CAF Confederation Cup champions USM Alger.

CAF has also confirmed the schedule for the preliminary rounds of the 2026-27 CAF Champions League and CAF Confederation Cup.

The first preliminary-round matches in both competitions will be played from September 4 to 6, 2026, with the return legs scheduled for September 11 to 13.

According to CAF, the early confirmation of competition dates and host countries represents an important step towards creating a more structured continental football calendar.

The governing body believes the improved planning will enable member associations and clubs to prepare more effectively, give players clearer competitive pathways and provide broadcasters, sponsors and supporters with greater certainty around the African football calendar.