Guinea-Bissau Disqualified from WAFU Zone A U-17 Tournament

Guinea-Bissau Disqualified from WAFU Zone A U-17 Tournament

Guinea-Bissau has been disqualified from the 2026 WAFU Zone A U-17 Tournament after failing mandatory Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) age-verification tests ahead of the competition.

The decision introduces a major disruption to Group A, which originally featured Guinea-Bissau alongside Liberia, Mali, and Guinea. Tournament officials confirmed that Guinea-Bissau has been removed from all remaining fixtures, leaving Group A to proceed with three teams.

Mandatory MRI wrist scans are conducted under Confederation of African Football (CAF) protocol to ensure players meet strict eligibility requirements for Under-17 competition and to maintain age integrity across youth football.

Guinea-Bissau's exit significantly alters the Group A standings and qualification pathways. The remaining sides will now compete for places in the knockout stage, with top performers earning berths at the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The WAFU Zone A U-17 Tournament serves as a critical talent pipeline for young West African footballers and a gateway to international competition. Organizers confirmed that remaining match schedules have been updated as teams press forward in pursuit of regional honors.