The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) is set to revolutionize its youth competitions by introducing a dynamic festival-style format that integrates matches, training sessions, and team operations into a cohesive experience for all participating teams. This innovative approach aims to foster a lively tournament atmosphere, enhance operational efficiency, and support the long-term development of young players across various editions of the tournament.
The inaugural festival-style event will take place during the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, scheduled from May 13 to June 2, 2026. Most matches, with the exception of the opening match, semi-finals, and the final, will be held at the state-of-the-art Mohammed VI Football Complex in Morocco. This centralized venue is expected to provide a unique and engaging environment for both players and fans alike.
The final draw for the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 AFCON Morocco 2026 was conducted earlier this month, revealing a competitive group-stage lineup. The host nation and reigning champions, Morocco, will compete in Group A alongside Tunisia, Egypt, and Ethiopia. Meanwhile, Group B features former champions Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon, joined by Uganda and first-time participants DR Congo. Last year’s runners-up, Mali, have been placed in Group C along with Angola, Mozambique, and Tanzania, while Group D is led by Senegal, which also includes 2015 runners-up South Africa, Algeria, and two-time winners Ghana.
All eight quarter-finalists from the tournament will secure automatic qualification for the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026. Additionally, teams finishing third in their respective groups will face off in two playoff matches to determine the final two qualification spots. Ultimately, a total of ten African nations will represent the continent at the global finals in Qatar later this year.
For further details regarding the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026, please visit cafonline.com.
