Three of Africa's football powerhouses—Senegal, Mali, and Algeria—are set to kick off their Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaigns on Thursday, May 14, 2026. The tournament, hosted by Morocco, features 16 teams competing for the continental title and a spot in the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Senegal, the defending champions, will face a tough test against a yet-to-be-confirmed opponent in their opening match. Mali, runners-up in the 2023 edition, and Algeria, a rising force in youth football, also take the field on the same day. The exact fixtures and kickoff times are available on the Confederation of African Football (CAF) official website.
The U17 AFCON serves as a crucial platform for young talents to showcase their skills and attract attention from scouts worldwide. The tournament runs until June 5, 2026, with the top four teams qualifying for the FIFA U-17 World Cup later this year.
