Morocco's U17 national team, the Atlas Lions, will begin their title defense in the 2026 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) U17 on Wednesday, May 13, with a group stage match against Tunisia. The tournament is scheduled to take place in Morocco from May 13 to June 1, 2026.
As the reigning champions after winning the 2023 edition in Algeria, Morocco aims to retain the trophy on home soil. The opening match against Tunisia is expected to be a highly competitive derby, given the historical rivalry between the two North African nations.
The 2026 AFCON U17 will feature 16 teams divided into four groups. Morocco is in Group A alongside Tunisia, Tanzania, and Zambia. The top two teams from each group will advance to the quarterfinals.
This tournament also serves as a qualifier for the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup, with the top four teams securing spots. Morocco, as the host nation, has already qualified for the World Cup, but will still compete in the AFCON.
