CAF considers launching Women’s Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations in 2027

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is examining the possibility of launching a new Women’s Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations as early as 2027, as it continues to expand and strengthen its competition calendar.

The proposal was included in CAF’s review of its 2026-27 schedule, with the governing body confirming that it is assessing the feasibility of staging an Africa Cup of Nations for women’s under-17 teams.

A tournament could be introduced next year if the required sporting and organisational conditions are met. CAF has not yet confirmed that the competition will go ahead, but the project reflects its stated aim of creating more opportunities for the development of women’s football across the continent.

The proposed tournament would provide African federations with a regular continental event for their under-17 women’s teams. It would also offer a structured platform for young players at a time when youth development, training and talent identification are becoming increasingly important priorities.

CAF’s work on the project forms part of a wider effort to strengthen competitions for different age groups. The organisation is seeking to develop a calendar that is more stable and easier to follow for national associations, broadcasters, commercial partners and supporters.

Several major youth tournaments are already scheduled for 2027. Ghana will host the men’s Africa Cup of Nations U20 in February and March, while Morocco is due to stage the Africa Cup of Nations U17 in April and May.

Egypt will host the Africa Cup of Nations U23, which will serve as the qualifying tournament for the football competition at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

The possible addition of a Women’s Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations would further increase the number of continental competitions organised by CAF. It would also create another route linking youth development with the highest level of the women’s game.

The plan is being considered alongside other proposals for the future of African football. Among them is the long-awaited African Nations League, a competition whose format has already been discussed by CAF’s executive committee.

If the women’s under-17 tournament is approved for 2027, it would become part of an increasingly extensive continental structure covering men’s and women’s football at various age levels.

CAF’s consideration of the competition comes after the governing body strengthened its youth tournaments in recent years. The proposed event would represent a further step towards giving young female players more regular exposure to international football and giving federations a recognised competition through which to prepare their next generation of under-17 teams.

For now, the project remains subject to an assessment of its sporting and organisational requirements. A final decision on whether the new Africa Cup of Nations competition will be launched in 2027 has not been announced.