The Confederation of African Football has officially conducted the draw for the 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, with host nation Morocco set to headline Group A.
The tournament, which will showcase the continent’s brightest young talents, is expected to be fiercely contested following the release of a balanced group-stage lineup.
Host Morocco will face stiff competition in Group A alongside Tunisia, Egypt, and Ethiopia.
Group B features a strong West and Central African mix with Côte d’Ivoire drawn against Cameroon, Uganda, and DR Congo.
In Group C, traditional youth football powerhouse Mali will battle Angola, Tanzania, and Mozambique.
Defending champions Senegal headline Group D, where they will face South Africa, Ghana, and Algeria in what is widely regarded as the “group of death.”
The competition is expected to serve as a qualifying pathway for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, adding further stakes to the continental showpiece.
Teams will now intensify preparations as they aim to secure progression from the group stage and challenge for the prestigious youth title.
