CAF strengthen competition calendar, confirms major tournaments through 2027
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has taken major steps towards creating a more stable and predictable competition calendar, with dates and host countries confirmed for several key tournaments across the continent.
The move is aimed at giving Member Associations, clubs, players, commercial partners, broadcasters and supporters greater certainty while strengthening CAF’s existing competitions and opening the door for new football properties at both senior and youth levels.
One of the biggest events on the calendar is the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda in 2027.
The continental showpiece is scheduled to run from June 19 to July 17, 2027, with the qualifying campaign set to begin in September 2026.
South Africa will stage the TotalEnergies CAF Super Cup, with the one-off clash scheduled for Sunday, November 8, 2026, in Tshwane.
The match will see TotalEnergies CAF Champions League winners Mamelodi Sundowns take on TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup holders USM Alger.
Kick-off is set for 15:00 local time, 13:00 GMT.
CAF is also making significant progress with its youth competitions, which remain a key part of its football development strategy.
Ghana will host the TotalEnergies CAF Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations in February and March 2027, while Morocco has been selected to stage the TotalEnergies CAF Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations in April and May.
Egypt, meanwhile, will host the CAF Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations in 2027. The tournament will also serve as the qualifying competition for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
CAF is further exploring the possibility of launching a new Under-17 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations as early as next year, subject to the necessary sporting and organisational requirements being met.
The proposed competition would provide another important platform for young female footballers and further strengthen CAF’s investment in the development of women’s football.
Morocco will host the TotalEnergies CAF Futsal Africa Cup of Nations from October 12 to 21, 2026, while Senegal will stage the CAF Beach Soccer Africa Cup of Nations in November.
Meanwhile, work continues on the proposed African Nations League, with CAF’s Executive Committee having discussed the potential format of the competition.
The project is part of CAF’s broader plans to create more meaningful and commercially attractive international competitions for its Member Associations.
At club level, the preliminary-round draws for the TotalEnergies CAF Champions League and TotalEnergies CAF Confederation Cup 2026/27 have already been completed.
The first legs of the opening preliminary round will be played between September 4 and 6, with the return fixtures scheduled for September 11 to 13.
With several major tournaments now mapped out, CAF believes the progress represents an important step towards a more coordinated African football calendar.
A clearer schedule will allow member associations and clubs to plan more effectively, give players defined competitive pathways, and provide broadcasters, sponsors, and supporters with greater visibility around the continent’s biggest football events.
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