The draw, held in Kigali, produced the following groups:
Group A
Tanzania, Ethiopia, Rwanda
Group B
Uganda, Sudan, Djibouti
Group C
South Sudan, Kenya, Burundi
The tournament will take place from 15 to 25 September 2026 at the Uhuru Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. The three group winners and the best second-placed team will advance to the semi-finals. The top two teams overall will earn the right to represent the CECAFA zone at the continental U-20 AFCON finals.
Hosts Tanzania head a competitive Group A alongside Ethiopia and Rwanda. Uganda, one of the region’s stronger youth sides in recent years, face Sudan and Djibouti in Group B. Kenya, who have already named a provisional 56-man squad under coach Gilbert Selebwa, are drawn with South Sudan and Burundi in Group C.
The CECAFA qualifiers form a key part of the pathway to the 2026 CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations. Only two places are available from the Central-East zone, making every match critical for the participating nations.
Several teams have already begun preparations. Kenya’s Rising Stars have assembled a broad provisional squad drawn from local clubs, academies and players based abroad. Uganda have also named a large provisional group as they target qualification under coach Laryea Kingston.
The tournament offers young players across the region a valuable opportunity to showcase their talent on a competitive stage and push for selection at the continental finals. With the groups now set, attention turns to final squad announcements and pre-tournament camps ahead of the mid-September kick-off in Dar es Salaam.