Road to AFCON 2027: Qualifying race begins across Africa this week

The race for AFCON 2027 is taking shape as national teams across Africa begin the long campaign towards the finals in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. For players and supporters, every international window now carries the promise of a place at a historic East African tournament.

Forty-eight teams have been drawn into 12 groups of four. Their results across the qualifying calendar will decide the remaining places in the 24-team finals and gradually reveal the field that will travel east in 2027.

The group stage rewards consistency rather than a single standout performance. Teams must manage travel, changing conditions and repeated home-and-away tests while collecting enough points to stay in contention throughout the schedule.

Match information can still move as the competition develops. Supporters planning around a fixture should check official federation and CAF announcements for confirmed dates, venues, kick-off times and broadcast details.

Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda already have their places as co-hosts. Morocco is also among the confirmed participants, while the rest of the line-up will emerge from the qualifying campaign.

Each round will bring the tournament into sharper focus. New talents will emerge, rivalries will grow and travelling supporters will begin mapping possible journeys between the host cities long before the opening match.