The 2027 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations qualification was a men's under-20 football competition that decided the participating teams of the 2027 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.

Players born on 1 January 2007 or later were eligible to participate in the competition. A total of twelve teams qualified to play in the final tournament.

Teams ZoneSpotsTeams entering qualificationDid not enterNorth Zone(UNAF)2 spotsWest A Zone(WAFU-UFOA A)2 spotsWest B Zone(WAFU-UFOA B)2 spotsCentral Zone(UNIFFAC)2 spotsCentral-East Zone(CECAFA)2 spotsSouth Zone(COSAFA)2 spots

Notes Teams in bold qualified for the final tournament. (D): Disqualified (W): Withdrew after draw

North Zone

The 2026 UNAF U-20 Tournament, which also served as the qualifiers for the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations, took place between 24 September and 6 October in Egypt. The five teams were placed in one group, with the winner and the runner-up qualifying for the final tournament.

All times are local, EST, CAT (UTC+2).

West B Zone

The WAFU-UFOA Zone B qualifiers for the 2027 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations were hosted by Ivory Coast, with the matches played between 26 July and 9 August 2026 at Yamoussoukro, Ivory Coast. The draw was held on 15 July 2026 in Abidjan, Ivory Coast. Ghana qualified automatically as hosts of the final tournament; the winners of this qualifying tournament claimed the zone's other berth.

Group stage The seven teams were drawn into two groups, one of three and one of four teams. In Group A, the top two teams advanced to the semi-finals; in Group B, the top two teams advanced to the semi-finals.

Group A

Group B

Knockout stage Bracket

Semi-finals Winners qualified for 2027 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.

Third place play-off

Final

Central-East Zone

The CECAFA qualifiers for the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations are hosted by Tanzania between 15 and 25 September 2026.

Group stage

The 9 teams were drawn into three groups of three teams. The winners and the best runner-up advanced to the semi-finals.

Group A

Group B

Group C

Knockout stage

Semi-finals Winners qualified for 2027 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations.

Third place play-off

Final

South Zone

Group stage

Group A

Group B

Group C

Knockout stage

Semi-finals

Third place

Final

See also 2027 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations qualification

References