The Confederation of African Football has confirmed new dates for the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations, with the tournament now set to be held from 25 April to 15 May 2026 in Morocco.
The decision was taken during a CAF Executive Committee meeting in Cairo, Egypt, as part of efforts to reorganise the continental football calendar.
The revised schedule places the youth competition within a relatively tight three-week window, raising questions about logistics and player welfare ahead of the tournament.
Morocco will once again host the competition, having successfully staged the previous edition.
Matches are expected to be played across four venues: El Bachir Stadium in Mohammedia, Larbi Zaouli Stadium, Berrechid Stadium and El Abdi Stadium.
These facilities were used in the last edition and are set to remain central to the tournament’s organisation.
The U-17 AFCON remains a key competition in African football development, not only showcasing emerging talent from across the continent but also serving as a qualifying pathway to the FIFA U-17 World Cup.
Sixteen teams are expected to participate, representing a broad cross-section of African football nations aiming to make their mark on the global stage.
The previous edition of the tournament, originally scheduled between March 30 and April 19, saw Morocco crowned champions after a dramatic penalty shootout victory over Mali in the final.
That triumph confirmed the North African nation as defending champions heading into the 2026 competition, adding further significance to their role as hosts.
CAF’s decision to adjust the timeline reflects the growing complexity of the international football calendar, particularly at youth level where competitions often intersect with academic schedules and domestic league commitments.
Compressing the tournament into a shorter period may present challenges for teams in terms of recovery and preparation between matches.
However, the governing body is expected to rely on Morocco’s established infrastructure and recent hosting experience to ensure a smooth tournament.
The country has increasingly positioned itself as a reliable host for major African competitions, with modern stadiums and logistical readiness playing a key role.
For many African nations, the tournament represents more than just continental glory. It is an opportunity to develop the next generation of footballers and gain valuable international exposure.
Scouts and technical observers will also be closely monitoring performances, with the competition often serving as a launchpad for future stars.
