Defending champions Morocco will begin the defence of their continental crown on home soil on Wednesday as the CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 kicks off with 16 nations battling for African glory and qualification to the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar.
The tournament, which runs from May 13 to June 2, will introduce CAF’s new festival-style format aimed at creating a more integrated and development-focused environment for Africa’s rising football stars.
Most matches will take place at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, widely regarded as one of Africa’s leading football facilities, while the opening match, semi-finals and final will be staged at other designated venues.
Morocco, which lifted the title in 2025, headlines a difficult Group A that also includes Tunisia, Egypt and Ethiopia.
The hosts are expected to carry enormous pressure as they seek to retain the trophy in front of home supporters, while also continuing the country’s growing influence in African and global football.
Under coach Tiago Lima Pereira, Morocco are expected to rely on an aggressive attacking approach built around ball possession, high pressing and fluid movement. Young talents Adam Bougazir, Rami Loukmani and Ilyan Hadidi are already attracting attention ahead of the competition.
Morocco’s opening clash against Tunisia is expected to provide an immediate examination of their title ambitions. Tunisia, led by coach Nadjeh Toumi, are known for their tactical discipline and defensive organisation and could pose a serious threat to the hosts.
The Moroccans are not only chasing continental success but also one of Africa’s 10 tickets to the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026.
Under the tournament format, all eight quarter-finalists will automatically qualify for the World Cup, while the four third-placed teams from the group stage will contest additional play-off matches to determine the final two African representatives.
The competition also reflects Morocco’s growing status as a major football host nation following recent successes in organising continental and international tournaments.
Elsewhere, Group B features former champions Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon alongside Uganda and debutants DR Congo.
The tournament is expected to showcase some of Africa’s brightest emerging football talents, with nations hoping to combine continental success with qualification for the global stage in Qatar.