CAF Unveils New AFCON 2027 Qualifying Format

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has approved a major overhaul of the qualification process for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, the first edition to be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The new format eliminates preliminary rounds and guarantees all 54 CAF member associations direct entry into the main group stage.

Key Features of the New System

  • 13 groups of three or four teams
  • 13 group winners qualify automatically
  • Three best runners-up also qualify automatically (16 teams + three hosts = 19 spots secured)
  • Remaining 10 runners-up enter a two-legged playoff in November 2026, producing five additional qualifiers
  • Total: 24 teams for the finals
  • DR Congo, winners of the World Cup playoff final, will be placed in a three-team group as a reward
  • Qualifiers begin in March 2026
  • Draw scheduled for December 19, 2025, in Rabat, Morocco

The announcement comes just days after Nigeria suffered a devastating 4-3 penalty shootout loss to DR Congo in the 2026 World Cup playoff final, missing a second consecutive World Cup. The Super Eagles now turn full attention to the 2025 AFCON in Morocco (December 21, 2025 – January 18, 2026), the first edition to be played across the Christmas and New Year period.

Nigeria will open their 2025 AFCON campaign against Tanzania on December 23 in Group C, alongside Tunisia and Uganda. With the new 2027 qualifying system offering more opportunities than ever, the pressure is already building for continental redemption.