The countdown is over U17 AFCON 2026 gets underway on May 13 at the Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium in Rabat. And it’s only fitting that the opening match features the host nation and reigning champions, Morocco, who will face off against Tunisia.

Hosting the tournament for the second year in a row (May 13 to June 2), Morocco enters the competition with confidence and a clear goal: to prove their dominance wasn’t a one-time success. After lifting the trophy on home soil in the previous edition, the Atlas Cubs are eager to do it again this time with even more eyes watching.

Their rise isn’t by chance. It’s part of a long-term vision driven by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation, which has been investing heavily in youth development. The result? A new generation of players that’s sharper, stronger, and ready to compete at the highest level.

But this tournament is about more than just football. It’s another step in Morocco’s growing reputation as a global sports hub. With major events lined up, including the Futsal AFCON 2026, Women’s AFCON 2026, and the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2026, the country is clearly positioning itself as a go-to destination for international competitions. Not to mention its role as co-host of the 2030 FIFA World Cup.

On the pitch, there’s plenty at stake too. The tournament doubles as a qualifier for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, giving Africa’s top young talents a chance to shine on the global stage.

Matches will be split between two key venues. The Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium will host the biggest moments, including the opening game, semi-finals, and final, while the group stage will take place at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, a world-class facility that highlights Morocco’s investment in football infrastructure.

The stage is set for an exciting start to the U17 AFCON 2026, with Morocco stepping into the spotlight as both host and defending champion. The tournament begins on May 13 in Rabat, where the opening match will see the Atlas Cubs take on Tunisia in front of a home crowd.

After lifting the trophy in the previous edition, Morocco comes into this tournament with confidence and high expectations. Playing on home soil once again gives them a clear advantage but also adds pressure to deliver. The goal is simple: prove that last year’s success was no fluke.

Behind this rising success is a strong development strategy led by the Royal Moroccan Football Federation. In recent years, the country has invested heavily in youth training, facilities, and coaching. The result is a new generation of players who are technically sharp, physically prepared, and ready to compete at the highest level.

The tournament is about more than just continental pride. It also serves as a qualifier for the FIFA U-17 World Cup, giving Africa’s brightest young talents a chance to step onto the global stage. For many of these players, this competition could be a turning point in their careers.

Matches will be played across two major venues. The Prince Moulay El Hassan Stadium will host the opening game, semi-finals, and final, adding a sense of occasion to the tournament’s biggest moments. Meanwhile, the group stage will take place at the Mohammed VI Football Complex, one of Africa’s most advanced football facilities.

With strong infrastructure, ambitious planning, and a talented new generation, Morocco isn’t just hosting the tournament, it’s setting the standard.

Morocco secured their first-ever TotalEnergies AFCON U-17 title after defeating Mali 4–2 on penalties following a goalless draw in the final on April 19, 2025. The match took place at the Stade El Bachir in Mohammedia, Morocco.