The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially established the roadmap for the upcoming U-17 Africa Cup of Nations following the completion of the tournament draw on Wednesday. The youth continental showpiece is scheduled to take place from May 13 through June 2, 2026, bringing together the finest emerging talents from across the continent.
The draw has produced several intriguing matchups, beginning with Group A, where the host nation Morocco will contend with regional rivals Egypt and Tunisia, as well as Ethiopia. Group B appears particularly competitive, featuring perennial powerhouses and former titleholders Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon, who are joined by Uganda and a DR Congo side making its first-ever appearance in the competition.
In Group C, Mali will navigate a path through Southern and East African opposition, having been paired with Angola, Mozambique, and Tanzania. Meanwhile, Group D rounds out the field with a high-profile lineup consisting of Senegal, South Africa, Algeria, and Ghana. The tournament structure remains rigorous, as only the leading two teams from each respective group will earn a place in the quarter-final knockout stages.
Notably, Nigeria’s Golden Eaglets will be absent from the festivities for the second straight tournament, as the West African giants failed to qualify for this edition. The confirmed groupings set the stage for a month of high-stakes football as these nations vie for continental glory in North Africa.
2026 CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations – Groups:
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Group A: Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Ethiopia
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Group B: Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroon, Uganda, DR Congo
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Group C: Mali, Angola, Tanzania, Mozambique
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Group D: Senegal, South Africa, Algeria, Ghana
