CAF announces 2027 AFCON qualifiers schedule as teams prepare for Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania tournament

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed the international windows for the qualification campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), providing participating nations with a clear roadmap as they begin preparations for the continental showpiece.

The qualifying series will commence in September 2026, with the opening rounds scheduled to take place between September 23 and 29.

According to the calendar released by CAF, the first round of qualifiers will be played from September 23–25, followed by the second round from September 27–29. Teams will be required to have a minimum of two full rest days between matches to ensure player welfare and competitive balance.

Member Associations will also have the opportunity to arrange international friendly matches immediately after the second round of qualifiers, with the available window running from October 1 to 6, 2026.

The qualifiers will resume in November 2026, with the third round scheduled for November 11–13 before the fourth round takes place from November 15–17.

The final phase of the qualification campaign will be held in March 2027, when teams will complete Rounds 5 and 6 between March 22 and 30.

The 2027 AFCON tournament will be jointly hosted by East African nations Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, marking the first time the three countries will stage Africa’s biggest football competition together.

CAF is expected to release further details on the qualification format, including the number of participating teams and draw procedures, ahead of the commencement of the qualifiers.

The tournament will follow the expanded 24-team format used in recent editions of the Africa Cup of Nations, with African nations battling for a place among the continent’s elite at the finals.