AFCON 2027 qualifying groups confirmed after Cairo draw

The qualifying groups for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations were confirmed on Tuesday following the official draw ceremony held at the headquarters of the Egyptian Football Association.

A total of 48 nations have been divided into 12 groups of four as African countries begin the race for places at the tournament, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda from June 19 to July 17, 2027.

Defending champions Morocco were drawn in Group A alongside Gabon, Niger and Lesotho.

Morocco head into the qualifiers as holders after CAF declared Senegal to have forfeited the previous final despite the Moroccans losing 1-0 in the match.

Several groups are expected to produce fierce competition, including Group C where Cote d’Ivoire will face Ghana, Gambia and Somalia, while Group J features Senegal, Mozambique, Sudan and Ethiopia.

Hosts Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda will also participate in the qualifiers despite already securing automatic qualification for the finals. In groups containing a host nation, only one additional qualification place will be available for the remaining teams.