AFCON 2027 qualifying begins with 48 teams and 21 places

The qualifying campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations begins September 24, with 48 teams drawn into 12 groups and 21 places available alongside automatic berths for co-hosts Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. The six-round competition is scheduled to conclude in March 2027, while a dispute over the previous title remains unresolved as Senegal pursues an appeal of the decision awarding it to Morocco. The hosts are already assured places in the 24-team finals, which means only the highest-ranked non-host in each of their groups will qualify. In the other nine groups, the top two teams advance. The arrangement leaves 21 spots for teams to earn through the qualifiers, even though all three hosts are also participating. The opening two rounds are scheduled for September 24 to October 6. Matchdays 3 and 4 are set for November 9-17, with the final two rounds scheduled for March 22-30, 2027. Teams will play six matches, home and away, in the group stage. Several national teams begin the campaign with new coaches. Patrick Vieira takes charge of Senegal for the first time in competitive matches, with away fixtures against Mozambique and Ethiopia.