The Sénégal national team is gearing up for the upcoming U17 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN), which is set to take place in Maroc from May 13 to June 2, 2026. The official calendar for the young Lionceaux has been confirmed as they prepare for this major continental challenge.
A mission to reclaim the African title
Sénégal enters this competition with a spirit of redemption. After their triumphant campaign in 2023, the Lionceaux faced a premature exit in the quarter-finals during the most recent edition. Now, led by former international defender Lamine Sané, the team is determined to ascend back to the throne of African youth football.
The draw has placed the Sénégal squad in Group D, a highly competitive pool featuring Ghana, Afrique du Sud, and Algérie. In such a high-stakes environment, every performance will be decisive for their survival in the tournament.
The group stage calendar
The Lionceaux will begin their journey in mid-May with three critical fixtures:
- May 14: Opening match against Afrique du Sud.
- May 17: A high-profile encounter with Ghana.
- May 20: The final group stage battle against Algérie.
Qualifying for the global stage
Beyond the quest for the CAN U17 trophy, there is an additional prize at stake. This tournament serves as the qualifying route for the international scene. All teams that successfully progress to the quarter-finals will earn an automatic invitation to the next U17 World Cup.
