The Confederation of African Football (CAF) on Sunday confirmed the full list of 16 nations that will compete at the 2026 U‑17 Africa Cup of Nations, with Morocco hosting from April 25 to May 15, 2026.
CAF listed Algeria, Angola, Cameroon, Côte d’Ivoire, DR Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guinea‑Bissau, Mali, Morocco (hosts), Mozambique, Senegal, South Africa, Tanzania, and Uganda as the qualified teams.
According to CAF, the finals will also serve as the primary qualifier for the 2026 FIFA U‑17 World Cup in Qatar, scheduled for November.
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The top 10 sides will secure tickets to the expanded 48‑team global youth championship, which will feature 48 teams.
Nigeria, five‑time champions, will not feature for the second consecutive edition.
The Golden Eaglets lost 2‑0 to Ghana in the semi‑finals of the WAFU Zone B qualifiers in September 2025, ending their hopes of advancing.
CAF added that hosting the finals in Morocco will showcase Africa’s rising talents and reaffirm the country’s role as a major hub for youth football.
CAF noted that the competition will highlight continental football development and provide a pathway for Africa’s best young players to shine on the world stage later in 2026.
