The knockout stage of the 2026 U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (U-17 AFCON) has been officially confirmed following the end of an exciting group stage campaign filled with goals, drama and surprises.
Eight teams have secured places in the quarter-finals and also booked qualification to the 2026 FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar.
The remaining teams now face crucial playoff matches as they battle for the final qualification spots to the global tournament.
The quarter-final matches will take place on May 24, with several exciting fixtures lined up. Tanzania will face defending champions Senegal in the opening game at 14:00 GMT.
Later in the day, Côte d’Ivoire will take on Egypt, while Algeria face Mali in another highly anticipated clash.
Host nation Morocco will also continue their impressive campaign when they play Cameroon in the final quarter-final match of the day.
Before the quarter-finals begin, attention will turn to the World Cup qualification playoffs scheduled for May 23.
Ethiopia will battle Mozambique in an important encounter, while Ghana’s Black Starlets will face Uganda in a must-win game for a place at the FIFA U-17 World Cup after losing a spot in the knock-out stage to Algeria due to CAF’s draw.
The tournament has already produced several outstanding performances from young African talents, with many players attracting attention from scouts and football fans around the world.
With places at the FIFA U-17 World Cup in Qatar at stake, the upcoming matches are expected to be intense and highly competitive as teams continue their dream of becoming African champions and representing the continent on the world stage.
