2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Fixtures and Dates

The countdown to the 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations is officially on, with Africa’s brightest young football talents preparing for a thrilling tournament in Morocco. The competition will run from May 13 to June 2, 2026, featuring 16 nations battling not only for continental glory but also for qualification to the FIFA U-17 World Cup.

Defending champions and hosts Morocco headline Group A alongside Tunisia, Egypt, and Ethiopia. The opening day fixtures on May 13 will see Egypt face Ethiopia before Morocco clash with Tunisia in a highly anticipated North African derby.

2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Fixtures, May 13

• Egypt vs Ethiopia

• Morocco vs Tunisia

• Ivory Coast vs Cameroon

• Uganda vs DR Congo

Group B promises fireworks as Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Uganda, and DR Congo battle for qualification. Ivory Coast open against Cameroon on May 13, while Uganda and DR Congo begin their campaigns shortly after.

In Group C, traditional powerhouse Mali will face Angola, Tanzania, and Mozambique. Mali begin their journey on May 14 against Angola, while Tanzania meet Mozambique in another exciting fixture.

Group D may be the toughest of all. Champions Senegal are grouped with South Africa, Algeria, and Ghana. Senegal face South Africa on May 14, while Algeria take on Ghana later that evening in one of the standout matches of the group stage.

2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Fixtures, May 14

• Mali vs Angola

• Tanzania vs Mozambique

• Senegal vs South Africa

• Algeria vs Ghana

2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Fixtures, May 16

• Tunisia vs Egypt

• Ethipia vs Morocco

• Cameroon vs Uganda

• DR Congo vs Ivory Coast

2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Fixtures, May 17

• Angola vs Tanzania

• Mozambique vs Mali

• South Africa vs Algeria

• Ghana vs Senegal

2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Fixtures, May 19

• Tunisia vs Ethiopia

• Morocco vs Egypt

• Ivory Coast vs Uganda

• Cameroon vs DR Congo

2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Fixtures, May 20

• Mali vs Tanzania

• Angola vs Mozambique

• Senegal vs Algeria

• South Africa vs Ghana

The playoffs will resume on 23 May 2026, the quarter finals will be played on the 24th May, while the semi finals will be played on the 28th May. The 3rd place playoff math will be played on 1st June, while the final will betake place on 2nd June, 2026.

CAF has also introduced a new “festival-style” concept for the tournament, with most matches taking place at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Morocco to create a unique youth football atmosphere.

The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarter-finals, while the tournament’s best-performing nations will secure places at the FIFA U-17 World Cup. With fierce rivalries, rising stars, and continental pride at stake, the 2026 U-17 AFCON promises to deliver unforgettable football moments.