AFCON 2027 dates and qualifiers confirmed

CAF has released the full schedule for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, confirming that the tournament co‑hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania will run from 19 June to 17 July 2027. It is only the second edition to be staged in the June‑July window after 2019, a decision welcomed by European clubs who will avoid losing players mid‑season.

CAF has not yet announced the venues for the opening match or the final. Qualifiers will be played across three FIFA windows, beginning later this year, with the draw set for 19 May. Matchdays 1 and 2 fall between 21 September and 6 October, Matchdays 3 and 4 between 9 and 17 November, and the final two rounds from 22 to 30 March 2027. Forty‑eight teams will be drawn into twelve groups of four, with the top two advancing. The three co‑hosts qualify automatically but will still compete, meaning only one additional team progresses from their groups.