The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially scheduled the preliminary round of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers to take place between March 23 and 31, 2026, marking the first phase of the journey toward the next continental showpiece.
In a circular issued to Member Federations, CAF instructed all associations to confirm their participation on or before December 31, 2025, as preparations intensify for the new qualification cycle.
The preliminary round will feature the lowest-ranked teams on the continent battling for a place in the main qualification series. CAF is expected to announce the draw procedures and seeding details in early 2026.
The 2027 AFCON will be hosted jointly by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, the first ever East African co-hosting of the tournament.
 has officially scheduled the preliminary round of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers to take place between March 23 and 31, 2026){kind=link}