Morocco will host the 2026 U17 Africa Cup of Nations, with the group stage featuring matchups between African teams aiming to secure qualification.
The tournament will run from May 13 to June 2, 2026. The opening match will see the Atlas Cubs face Tunisia at the Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium.
Group-stage matches will also take place at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, as several teams compete for a place at the next FIFA U17 World Cup.
In Group D, Senegal will take on South Africa on May 14, Ghana on May 17, and Algeria on May 19. In Group B, Cameroon will open against Côte d’Ivoire on May 13, before facing Uganda on May 16 and the Democratic Republic of Congo on May 19.
Beyond continental stakes, the tournament offers a pathway to the expanded FIFA U17 World Cup, which will feature 48 teams, including ten representatives from Africa.
Morocco, the defending champion, will play on home soil. Senegal, crowned African champion in 2023, and Cameroon are also among the teams to watch in this edition.
The group stage is set to deliver competitive fixtures from the outset, in a tournament that serves as a key development platform for Africa’s U17 national teams.
SS/te/lb/as/APA