Hosts Morocco headline a strong field of 16 qualified nations, with the tournament promising to showcase Africa’s brightest young talents and serve as a qualifier for the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar.
Full Group Stage Draw
Group A
- Morocco (Hosts)
- Tunisia
- Egypt
- Ethiopia
Group B
- Côte d’Ivoire
- Cameroon
- Uganda
- DR Congo
Group C
- Mali
- Angola
- Tanzania
- Mozambique
Group D
- Senegal
- South Africa
- Algeria
- Ghana
Key Talking Points
- Group A looks particularly tough with three North African powerhouses (Morocco, Tunisia, Egypt) alongside Ethiopia. Morocco will enjoy home advantage, but the group is highly competitive.
- Group B features traditional West and Central African heavyweights Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon, along with Uganda and DR Congo — expected to be an open and entertaining group.
- Group C pits Mali (a consistent performer at youth level) against Angola, Tanzania, and Mozambique. Mali will likely start as favourites.
- Group D is arguably the most balanced, with Senegal, South Africa, Algeria, and Ghana all capable of progressing. This could be the “Group of Death.”
Morocco, as hosts, will open the tournament and will be among the favourites to lift the trophy on home soil.
The draw ceremony was conducted with the help of CAF Legends and current stars, adding glamour to the occasion.
All eyes will now be on the young talents as they prepare for what promises to be a high-quality and competitive edition of the U-17 AFCON.
Which group do you think is the toughest? Who are your early favourites to win the tournament? Drop your thoughts and predictions below!