CAF has released the group stage draw for the 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, setting the stage for another exciting youth tournament in Morocco.
The competition is scheduled to run from 13 May to 2 June, bringing together Africa’s brightest young talents in a showcase of skill and ambition.
With the draw now complete, attention shifts to preparation, as teams begin planning their campaigns for glory, qualification, and continental recognition.
CAF Draw Held in Cairo, Published Online
The draw took place at CAF headquarters in Cairo on Wednesday and was later published on the organisation’s website.
Hosts Morocco headline Group A in a fierce North African clash that also includes Tunisia, Egypt and Ethiopia.
Only the top two sides from each group will reach the quarter-finals, setting the tone for an intense opening round.
Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon Headline Tough Group B
Former champions Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon headline Group B, bringing pedigree, experience, and strong expectations into one of the tournament’s most competitive sections.
Uganda, a side known for discipline and resilience, will challenge them, while tournament debutants DR Congo add unpredictability and fresh ambition to the group.
With established powers and emerging contenders colliding, Group B promises intensity, tactical battles, and high stakes as all four teams chase progression.
Mali Lead Group C With Angola, Mozambique, Tanzania
Defending champions Senegal top Group D and will battle South Africa, Algeria, and Ghana.
Eight teams reaching the quarter-finals will automatically secure places at the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar, raising the stakes significantly.
That qualification rule adds extra pressure to the group stage, where every point could determine which nations keep their World Cup hopes alive.
As a result, teams must balance ambition and caution, knowing that advancing deep in the tournament offers both continental glory and global opportunity.
Third-Placed Teams Battle for Final AFCON Slots
Nigeria will miss the tournament for the second straight edition.
The Golden Eaglets suffered a painful 2-0 defeat to Ghana in the WAFU Zone B qualifiers’ semi-finals in September 2025.
The loss ended Nigeria’s hopes of reaching the finals.
Despite expectations that the team would mount a strong challenge in the regional competition.
It also underlined the fine margins in youth football, where one poor result can erase months of preparation and ambition.
