The African Football Confederation (CAF) will launch a new festival-style format for its youth competitions. This format will combine matches, training, and team operations into one setting for all teams involved.
The first festival-style event will take place during the TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in Morocco, from May 13 to June 2, 2026. Most matches, except for the opening match, semi-finals, and final, will be held at the Mohammed VI Football Complex in Morocco.
This new approach aims to create a lively tournament atmosphere while improving how the event is run. It will help ensure consistency and support long-term player development over time.
The final draw for the Total Energies CAF U-17 AFCON Morocco 2026 recently took place, setting a competitive lineup for the group stage. Hosts and defending champions Morocco are in Group A with Tunisia, Egypt, and Ethiopia. Former champions Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon lead Group B, along with Uganda and debutants DR Congo.
Last year’s runners-up, Mali, are in Group C with Angola, Mozambique, and Tanzania. Senegal heads Group D, which also includes 2015 runners-up South Africa, Algeria, and two-time winners Ghana.
The eight teams that reach the quarter-finals will qualify automatically for the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar later in 2026. The teams that finish third in their groups will play two matches to decide the last two teams that qualify.
In total, 10 African nations will represent the continent at the global finals in Qatar later this year.
TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026:
GROUP A: Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt, Ethiopia
Groupe B: Côte d’Ivoire, Cameroun, Ouganda, RD Congo
GROUP C: Mali, Angola, Tanzania, Mozambique
GROUP D: Senegal, South Africa, Algeria, Ghana
