AFCON 2027: Qualification Format Confirmed

AFCON 2027: Qualification Format Confirmed

Sampson Adedeji

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled the qualification format for the 2027 African Cup of Nations (AFCON), confirming how the 24-team lineup will be determined, BSNSports.com.ng reports

Under the new system, the top team from each of the 13 qualification groups will secure automatic qualification. In addition, the three co-hosts Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda will also qualify automatically, bringing the total number of automatic qualifiers to 16.

CAF has also confirmed a play-off system for runners-up. The best three second-placed teams across the groups will qualify automatically. 

The remaining 10 runners-up will be divided into two pots based on their ranking and will contest two-legged knockout matches. 

The five winners of these encounters will complete the 24-team lineup for AFCON 2027.

This format ensures a competitive qualification process while guaranteeing spots for the host nations.