The TotalEnergies CAF U-17 Africa Cup of Nations Morocco 2026 gets underway on Wednesday with four opening-day fixtures set to launch Africa’s premier youth competition in spectacular fashion.
Hosts and defending champions Morocco headline the action with a North African derby against Tunisia, while Egypt face Ethiopia in the other Group A clash. Former champions Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon will lock horns in a heavyweight Group B encounter before Uganda meet debutants DR Congo later in the day.
The tournament, which runs from 13 May to 2 June, also marks the introduction of CAF’s new festival-style concept for youth competitions, with teams, training and matches integrated into one central environment at the Mohammed VI Football Complex.
The format is designed to enhance player development and create a vibrant tournament atmosphere as Africa’s finest young talents compete for continental glory and places at the FIFA U-17 World Cup Qatar 2026.
The stakes are enormous. The eight quarter-finalists will automatically qualify for the World Cup, while the four third-placed teams will enter play-offs to determine the final two African representatives at the global finals later this year.
Morocco begin title defence against Tunisia
Defending champions Morocco enter the competition carrying the pressure and expectation of a nation eager to retain the title they won in 2025.
Coach Tiago Lima Pereira has built a side based on technical superiority, structured build-up play and aggressive pressing, with Adam Bougazir, Rami Loukmani and Ilyan Hadidi expected to lead the charge.
Morocco dominated the UNAF qualifiers despite already qualifying automatically as hosts, finishing top with 12 points and underlining why many consider them favourites once again.
But Tunisia are unlikely to make life easy for the hosts.
Coach Nadjeh Toumi has assembled a disciplined and tactically organised side capable of frustrating stronger opponents. Tunisia will rely heavily on forward Moncef Thabti, midfielder Othman Ben Houssein and defender Yahya Jneidi as they target a positive opening result.
With the opening match set for the Stade Moulay Hassan in Rabat, a passionate home crowd is expected to create a vibrant atmosphere for the start of the tournament.
Egypt seek strong start against returning Ethiopia
Earlier in the day, Egypt face Ethiopia in another intriguing Group A encounter.
Egypt, champions in 1997, arrive determined to restore their status among Africa’s youth football elite. Coach Hussein Abdel Latif’s side qualified through a competitive UNAF campaign and will look to the creativity of Ahmed Safwat, the leadership of Alaa Adel and the finishing ability of Mohamed Gamal.
Ethiopia, meanwhile, are back at the continental finals for the first time since 2003.
Their return has been one of the stories of qualification after a convincing 3-0 victory over Kenya in the CECAFA play-off secured their place in Morocco.
Benjamin Ziemer’s side possess attacking quality, with Dawit Kassaw Yirdaw — joint top scorer during qualification — expected to be central to their hopes alongside Biyam Abrha and Biruk Eyilachew.
Côte d’Ivoire and Cameroon renew rivalry
Group B opens with one of the biggest fixtures of the opening day as WAFU B champions Côte d’Ivoire face two-time champions Cameroon.
The Ivorians arrive full of confidence after defeating Ghana on penalties to win the WAFU B title on home soil in Yamoussoukro.
Bassiriki Diabaté’s team combines physical strength with technical quality and will rely on tournament star Bema Doumbia, playmaker Cheick Malo and goalkeeper Adama Diabaté.
Cameroon, however, remain one of the tournament’s traditional giants.
The Indomitable Cubs qualified as UNIFFAC champions after an unbeaten campaign in Kinshasa and are once again among the favourites for the title.
Former Cameroon international Alioum Saidou leads a talented squad featuring captain Krys Karel, winger Rony Baliag Nougi and experienced attacker Omar Amir Tsombeng.
Uganda target history against DR Congo
The final fixture of the day sees Uganda take on tournament debutants DR Congo.
Uganda continue to make steady progress under former Ghana international Laryea Kingston and will be aiming to reach the knockout stages for the first time.
The Cubs will look to CECAFA Best Player Owen Mukisa, striker Thomas Ogema and midfielder Henry Muhoozi for inspiration.
DR Congo arrive as one of the competition’s unknown quantities but impressed during the UNIFFAC qualifiers.
Coach Denis Makenga Mulamba has built a disciplined and competitive side led by top scorer Delpierot Ntali, winger Séraphin Ntantu and forward Titi Exaucé.
With four high-quality matches on the opening day, Morocco 2026 promises to begin with intensity, excitement and the emergence of Africa’s next generation of stars.
Opening Day Fixtures – Wednesday, 13 May 2026 (Local Time)
Group A
- Morocco vs Tunisia – 20h00
Venue: Stade Moulay Hassan - Egypt vs Ethiopia – 14h00
Venue: Mohammed VI Football Complex – Pitch T11
Group B
- Côte d’Ivoire vs Cameroon – 14h00
Venue: Mohammed VI Football Complex – Pitch T3 - Uganda vs DR Congo – 17h00
Venue: Mohammed VI Football Complex – Pitch T8
SOURCE: CAF ONLINE
