The qualifying campaign for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations is set to begin, with the first two matchdays scheduled to take place during the upcoming international windows. The tournament will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, marking the first time the East African region stages the continent's premier football competition.
As the qualifiers kick off, several storylines are expected to dominate the early rounds. Traditional powerhouses such as Egypt, Morocco, and Senegal will be looking to assert their dominance, while emerging teams like Comoros and Gambia aim to build on recent performances. The expanded format, featuring 24 teams in the finals, offers more nations a realistic chance of qualification.
The first two matchdays will also provide a first look at how the co-hosts are preparing, though as hosts they qualify automatically. For the other teams, every point will be crucial in a campaign that spans multiple windows. With the tournament set to be held in June and July 2027, the qualifiers will conclude in late 2026.
Fans can expect intense competition and potential upsets as the journey to East Africa begins. The exact fixtures and dates for the first two matchdays are yet to be confirmed by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
