Algeria's under-17 national team is preparing for the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN U17) to be held in Morocco. The tournament, scheduled from May 17 to June 7, 2026, will feature 16 teams competing for the title.
According to the official draw conducted by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Algeria has been placed in Group A alongside hosts Morocco, Uganda, and Tanzania. This group is considered challenging, with Morocco having strong home support and Uganda showing recent improvement in youth football.
Algeria's opening match is against Tanzania on May 17, 2026, followed by Uganda on May 20, and a crucial clash with Morocco on May 23. The top two teams from each group advance to the quarter-finals.
Samir Kaabouch, a football analyst, commented on Algeria's chances, noting that the team has prepared well but faces tough opposition. He emphasized the importance of the first match against Tanzania to build momentum.
The CAN U17 also serves as a qualifier for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, with the top four teams securing a spot. Algeria last qualified for the U-17 World Cup in 2019.
