AFCON 2027 Teams
AFCON 2027 Teams
AFCON 2027 Teams: The Complete Guide to the Teams Heading to East Africa
Introduction
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027, officially known as the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations PAMOJA 2027, promises to be one of the most exciting football tournaments ever staged in Africa. For the first time in AFCON history, three countries, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, will jointly host the tournament.
The competition is scheduled to take place from 19 June to 17 July 2027, bringing Africa’s finest national teams to East Africa.
For football supporters travelling to Uganda, AFCON 2027 offers an opportunity to combine world-class football with unforgettable wildlife and cultural experiences. Visitors can watch their favourite teams compete and then explore Uganda’s national parks, lakes, forests and spectacular wildlife with Turkana Wildlife Safaris Uganda.
Which Teams Will Play in AFCON 2027?
At the current stage, it is important to distinguish between confirmed teams and teams still fighting for qualification.
CAF has confirmed that 24 national teams will participate in the AFCON 2027 finals. The three co-hosts Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania are automatically qualified because of their hosting status. However, they are also participating in the qualification matches.
The remaining 21 places will be decided through the AFCON 2027 qualifying campaign.
Confirmed Host Nations
🇺🇬 Uganda – The Cranes
Uganda will enjoy the historic opportunity of playing AFCON on home soil. The Cranes are in Group H alongside Tunisia, Libya and Botswana.
Although Uganda are already guaranteed a place in the finals as co-hosts, their qualification matches provide valuable competitive preparation before the tournament.
For visitors arriving in Uganda for AFCON, watching the Cranes and experiencing Ugandan culture and wildlife can create a memorable football-and-safari holiday.
🇰🇪 Kenya – Harambee Stars
Kenya’s national team, the Harambee Stars, is also automatically qualified as one of the three hosts.
Kenya has been placed in Group D with South Africa, Guinea and Eritrea. The qualification campaign will give the team an opportunity to test itself against strong opposition ahead of the home tournament.
🇹🇿 Tanzania – Taifa Stars
Tanzania completes the historic East African hosting trio.
Taifa Stars are in Group L, alongside Nigeria, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau. Tanzania’s automatic qualification guarantees the host nation a place at the finals, while the qualifying matches will provide important preparation.
AFCON 2027 Qualifying Groups
CAF conducted the AFCON 2027 qualifying draw in May 2026. The 48 participating teams were divided into 12 groups of four.
The groups are:
| Group | Teams |
|---|---|
| Group A | Morocco, Gabon, Niger, Lesotho |
| Group B | Egypt, Angola, Malawi, South Sudan |
| Group C | Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, The Gambia, Somalia |
| Group D | South Africa, Guinea, Kenya, Eritrea |
| Group E | DR Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Sierra Leone, Zimbabwe |
| Group F | Burkina Faso, Benin, Mauritania, Central African Republic |
| Group G | Cameroon, Comoros, Namibia, Congo |
| Group H | Tunisia, Uganda, Libya, Botswana |
| Group I | Algeria, Zambia, Togo, Burundi |
| Group J | Senegal, Mozambique, Sudan, Ethiopia |
| Group K | Mali, Cape Verde, Rwanda, Liberia |
| Group L | Nigeria, Madagascar, Tanzania, Guinea-Bissau |
CAF’s qualification rules state that the top two teams in each ordinary group qualify for the finals. In groups containing one of the three host nations, the host is already qualified and only the highest-ranked non-host team will qualify from that group.
Major Teams to Watch at AFCON 2027
Although the final 24-team lineup will not be complete until qualification finishes, several African football giants are expected to be among the tournament’s biggest attractions.
Morocco
Morocco enters the qualification campaign as one of Africa’s leading football nations. The Atlas Lions are in Group A with Gabon, Niger and Lesotho.
Their recent rise on the international stage has made Morocco one of the teams many supporters will be watching closely.
Senegal
Senegal is another major contender. The Teranga Lions are in Group J alongside Mozambique, Sudan and Ethiopia.
With a strong recent AFCON pedigree, Senegal will be expected to compete seriously for the continental title.
Nigeria
Nigeria’s Super Eagles are in Group L with Tanzania, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
Nigeria’s combination of attacking talent, tournament experience and a huge international fan base makes them one of the most anticipated teams whenever AFCON arrives.
Egypt
Egypt, one of the most successful nations in AFCON history, is in Group B alongside Angola, Malawi and South Sudan.
The Pharaohs will be looking to build a strong qualification campaign before heading to East Africa.
Côte d’Ivoire
The defending champions from the most recent AFCON edition are in Group C with Ghana, The Gambia and Somalia.
Their presence makes Group C particularly interesting. CAF has described it as a particularly difficult group, with former champions Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana joined by The Gambia and Somalia.
Algeria
Algeria is in Group I alongside Zambia, Togo and Burundi. The Desert Foxes are another experienced African football nation with ambitions of reaching the AFCON finals and competing for the trophy.
Cameroon
The Indomitable Lions are in Group G with Comoros, Namibia and Congo.
Cameroon has a long and proud AFCON history and will be among the teams attracting significant attention during the qualifying campaign.
When Will the AFCON 2027 Qualifiers Be Played?
The qualification campaign will be played across three FIFA international windows.
- Matchdays 1 and 2: 21 September – 6 October 2026
- Matchdays 3 and 4: 9 – 17 November 2026
- Matchdays 5 and 6: 22 – 30 March 2027
The final tournament will then take place from 19 June to 17 July 2027.
This gives football travellers plenty of time to plan an AFCON holiday in Uganda.
AFCON 2027 and a Uganda Safari
For international football fans, travelling to Uganda for AFCON 2027 does not have to end when the final whistle blows.
Uganda is one of Africa’s outstanding safari destinations, offering visitors the chance to combine football with wildlife, nature and cultural experiences.
A football holiday can therefore become a complete East African adventure.
Explore Uganda with Turkana Wildlife Safaris Uganda
Turkana Wildlife Safaris Uganda can help visitors turn their AFCON trip into an unforgettable Uganda safari experience.
Depending on your available time, your trip can include destinations such as:
Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls is famous for its dramatic waterfall, Nile River landscapes and abundant wildlife.
Visitors may encounter elephants, lions, buffaloes, giraffes, hippos and numerous bird species during game drives and boat trips.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park offers classic Ugandan safari experiences, including wildlife viewing along the Kasenyi plains and boat trips on the Kazinga Channel.
The park is also known for its famous tree-climbing lions in the Ishasha sector.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
For travellers who want a once-in-a-lifetime experience, Bwindi offers the opportunity to trek mountain gorillas in their natural habitat.
Combining an AFCON trip with gorilla trekking can turn a football holiday into an extraordinary African adventure.
Kibale Forest National Park
Kibale is particularly famous for chimpanzee trekking and is often regarded as one of the best destinations in Africa for seeing chimpanzees in the wild.
Lake Mburo National Park
Lake Mburo is a convenient safari option for visitors spending time around Kampala and western Uganda. The park is home to zebras, impalas, buffaloes, giraffes and other wildlife.
Why Combine AFCON 2027 With a Uganda Safari?
An AFCON trip already provides excitement, but adding a safari gives international visitors the opportunity to experience another side of Uganda.
1. Experience African Football and Wildlife
You can watch some of Africa’s best national teams during the day or evening and explore Uganda’s spectacular wilderness during the rest of your trip.
2. Discover Uganda Beyond Kampala
AFCON visitors who spend their entire trip around the stadium may miss some of Uganda’s greatest attractions.
A safari allows you to explore national parks, local communities, forests, lakes and wildlife.
3. Create a Longer East African Holiday
AFCON 2027 is being hosted jointly by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, making it possible for travellers to design a broader East African itinerary.
4. Support Local Tourism
Travelling beyond the football venues allows international visitors to contribute to Uganda’s tourism industry, accommodation providers, guides, communities and conservation initiatives.
Suggested AFCON 2027 Uganda Safari Experience
A football-focused visitor could consider an itinerary such as:
Day 1: Arrival in Uganda and Kampala experience
Day 2: Kampala city and cultural tour
Day 3: Travel to Murchison Falls National Park
Day 4: Game drive and Nile boat safari
Day 5: Return towards Kampala
Day 6: Football match experience
Day 7: Travel to Queen Elizabeth National Park
Day 8: Game drive and Kazinga Channel boat cruise
Day 9: Return to Kampala
Day 10: Departure
The exact itinerary can be adjusted according to match dates, preferred national parks, budget and available travel time.
Planning Your AFCON 2027 Trip With Turkana Wildlife Safaris Uganda
Travellers planning an AFCON safari should consider booking their accommodation, transport and safari arrangements early.
The tournament is expected to attract football supporters from across Africa and around the world, while Uganda’s major tourism destinations also attract visitors throughout the year.
Turkana Wildlife Safaris Uganda can be incorporated into your travel plans as a safari partner for visitors who want to experience Uganda’s wildlife before or after their AFCON matches.
A good AFCON safari package can combine:
- Airport transfers
- Hotel accommodation
- Game drives
- Boat safaris
- Gorilla trekking
- Chimpanzee trekking
- Cultural experiences
- National park visits
- Professional safari guiding
- Flexible transportation
- Football-match travel planning
Frequently Asked Questions About AFCON 2027 Teams
1. How many teams will participate in AFCON 2027?
The AFCON 2027 finals will feature 24 national teams. CAF has confirmed that Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania automatically qualify as the three co-host nations.
2. Are Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania automatically qualified?
Yes. The three host nations have guaranteed places in the AFCON 2027 finals. They will nevertheless participate in the qualification groups as part of their preparation.
3. Is Uganda playing in the AFCON 2027 qualifiers?
Yes. Uganda is in Group H with Tunisia, Libya and Botswana. However, Uganda already has a guaranteed finals place because it is a host nation.
4. Which group is Uganda in?
Uganda is in Group H, together with Tunisia, Libya and Botswana.
5. Which group is Kenya in?
Kenya is in Group D, alongside South Africa, Guinea and Eritrea.
6. Which group is Tanzania in?
Tanzania is in Group L, alongside Nigeria, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau.
7. When will AFCON 2027 take place?
The tournament is scheduled for 19 June to 17 July 2027.
8. Which country will host the AFCON 2027 final?
The tournament will be jointly hosted by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. CAF has indicated that the country hosting the opening match and final will be announced in due course.
9. Can I combine AFCON 2027 with a Uganda safari?
Absolutely. Football supporters can schedule a safari before or after their matches and explore destinations such as Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, Bwindi and Kibale National Parks.
10. Can Turkana Wildlife Safaris Uganda organize an AFCON safari?
Turkana Wildlife Safaris Uganda can be included in your Uganda travel planning for safari experiences, wildlife excursions and customized itineraries around your football schedule.
Conclusion: AFCON 2027 Teams and the Ultimate Uganda Football Safari
AFCON 2027 will be a landmark tournament for African football. With Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania becoming the first three countries to jointly host AFCON, the tournament represents a major moment for East Africa.
The three hosts, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania are already guaranteed places in the finals, while Africa’s other football powers will battle through the qualifying campaign for the remaining positions.
For football supporters travelling to Uganda, the experience can go far beyond watching matches.
With Turkana Wildlife Safaris Uganda, an AFCON football trip can become an unforgettable African adventure combining football, wildlife, culture and nature.
Imagine cheering for your favourite team and then heading into Uganda’s wilderness to see elephants, lions, giraffes, hippos, chimpanzees or mountain gorillas.
AFCON 2027 is more than a football tournament, it is an invitation to discover East Africa. And Uganda is ready to welcome the world.