The six rounds of group-stage fixtures will be played across three FIFA international windows as follows:
September/October 2026
- Round 1: 23–25 September
- Round 2: 27–29 September
- A minimum of two full rest days must be observed between matches
- Member associations may schedule friendly matches from 1–6 October after Round 2
November 2026
- Round 3: 11–13 November
- Round 4: 15–17 November
March 2027
- Rounds 5 and 6: 22–30 March
The qualifiers will determine the 21 teams that join co-hosts Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania at the finals, scheduled for June and July 2027.