The Confederation of African Football has confirmed the date for the draw that will shape the road to the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations.
CAF says the event will take place on December 19 at 18:00 GMT, bringing all participating nations a step closer to the tournament.
This edition of the AFCON will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
The hosts already have automatic spots, but every other hopeful nation will know their path once the draw is completed.
CAF has also outlined the tournament dates, with the competition scheduled to run from June 19 to July 18, 2027.
A total of 13 groups will be formed for the qualifying phase.
Group winners will secure direct passage to the main competition.
They will be joined by the three best second-placed teams, according to CAF’s confirmed format.
The remaining runners-up will battle in a playoff round for the final qualifying slots.
Qualifiers are set to unfold between March and October 2026, with the playoffs booked for November 2026.
With the draw now scheduled, attention turns to Rabat, Morocco, where the ceremony is expected to be held.
