The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed that the draw for the Africa Cup of Nations Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda 2027 qualifiers will take place on Tuesday, May 19, 2026, at 15:00 local time (12:00 GMT) at the Egyptian Football Association headquarters in Cairo.
A total of 48 teams, including the three co-host nations, will be drawn into 12 groups of four teams each as the race to Africa’s biggest football tournament officially begins.
According to CAF, the top two teams from each group will qualify directly for the finals, while an additional slot will be available in groups that include one of the co-host nations.
The qualification matches will be played across three FIFA international windows: September 21 to October 6, 2026; November 9 to 17, 2026; and March 22 to 30, 2027.
CAF also confirmed that the final tournament will take place from June 19 to July 17, 2027, with the opening match scheduled for June 19 and the final set for July 17.
In an official statement, CAF outlined the structure of the competition, noting that the draw will determine the full pathway to qualification for Africa’s premier international tournament.
The governing body emphasised that the expanded format will ensure wider participation and a highly competitive qualification phase as nations battle for a place among the continent’s elite at the 2027 finals.
