Eritrea has been confirmed for the preliminary qualifying round of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. The nation was included in the official draw despite not holding an active FIFA world ranking. This move places them back into the continental football fold, ready to face regional opposition for a spot in the main qualification groups.

For years, Eritrean football has operated in near isolation, with very few official international fixtures played. Their inclusion signals a potential shift toward re-engagement with the Confederation of African Football. Competing in AFCON qualification offers a vital platform for local players to gain exposure and for the federation to rebuild its competitive standing on the continent.

Eritrea will enter during the preliminary phase, where lower-ranked nations contest home-and-away ties for entry into the group stages. Success there is the first hurdle toward reaching the finals in Morocco, Kenya, and Tanzania. The draw will reveal their opening opponent, a match that will test the squad's readiness after a long absence from high-stakes continental competition.