Arjun Menon
CAF Announces 2027 AFCON Dates and Qualifier Schedule Across East Africa
The Confederation of African Football has confirmed the tournament schedule for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, including the complete qualification pathway for the continental championship. The finals will take place from 19 June to 17 July 2027, hosted across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
This marks only the second time the football tournament will be staged during the June-July window, the first being the 2019 edition. The scheduling provides relief for European clubs, preserving their domestic seasons from mid-campaign disruption.
CAF has not yet confirmed the venue for the opening match or the final, details expected in future announcements.
Qualification Format and Timeline
The qualifying campaign will span three FIFA international windows. The draw for qualifiers is scheduled for May 19, with matches distributed across six matchdays.
- Matchdays 1 and 2: September 21 to October 6
- Matchdays 3 and 4: November 9 to November 17
- Matchdays 5 and 6: March 22 to March 30, 2027
Group Structure and Advancement
The 48 qualifying nations will be divided into 12 groups of four teams. The top two finishers in each group will advance to the 24-team finals.
The three co-hosts automatically qualify for the tournament but will still participate in qualifiers. Their respective groups will feature only three other competitors, with a single team advancing alongside the host nations.