The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed that the official draw for the TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations next year in Côte d’Ivoire, will be conducted on Thursday, 12 October 2023.
The Executive Committee also approved the format, dates of the Qualifiers.
This new format has been adapted in line with FIFA’s expanded FIFA World Cup format and will involve all the 54 Member Associations of CAF who will be divided into nine (9) Groups.
Winners of each Group will automatically qualify for the FIFA World Cup 2026. The four best runners-up (from the Groups) will play in a CAF Play-Off tournament. The winner (CAF Play-Off tournament) will play in the FIFA Play-off Tournament.
The Executive Committee announced that the Official Draw of the FIFA World Cup 2026 African Qualifiers will be on Wednesday 12 July 2023 in Cotonou, Benin – the night before the 45th CAF Ordinary General Assembly.
