AFCON 2027 Qualifier: CAF Set To Change Format As Draws Hold December 19

AFCON 2027 Qualifier: CAF Set To Change Format As Draws Hold December 19

 Sampson Adedeji

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is set to introduce a new qualification format for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

According to updates from the continental body, the proposal expected to be ratified by the CAF Executive Committee will see all African nations participate directly in the qualifiers, eliminating preliminary rounds that have been used in previous editions.

Under the new structure, the qualifiers will feature 13 groups consisting of either three or four teams. The winner of Sunday’s World Cup playoff final between Nigeria and DR Congo will be placed in a three-team group as the qualifiers will commence in March 2026.

The top team in each group will automatically secure a ticket to the tournament. In addition, the three best runners-up across the groups will also qualify directly.

The remaining 10 runners-up will engage in a playoff round, with the five winners completing the list of 24 finalists for AFCON 2027.

CAF has confirmed that the draw for the qualifiers will take place on December 19.

The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will be jointly hosted by Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda after the East African trio were awarded the hosting rights marking the first time the tournament will be staged by three nations.