U17 AFCON: Congo Withdraw From Qualifier

U17 AFCON: Congo Withdraw From Qualifier

Sampson Adedeji

The Republic of the Congo have officially withdrawn from the qualifiers for the 2026 U17 Africa Cup of Nations, BSNSports.com.ng reports.

The Congolese Football Federation confirmed that the country will no longer participate in the qualification series, citing its inability to assemble the required squad of 23 players for the competition.

The development is largely linked to the prolonged suspension of the domestic league, which has been inactive for the past two years due to tensions between the government and the football federation.

The crisis has significantly disrupted youth football development in the Central African nation.

With no active league structure in place, officials were unable to properly scout and prepare eligible players for the continental tournament organized by the Confederation of African Football.

Congo’s withdrawal is expected to impact the qualifying group format, with CAF likely to issue further directives on how the fixtures will be adjusted ahead of the tournament.

The 2026 U17 AFCON qualifiers are scheduled to commence later this year as nations across the continent battle for places at the championship.