ENTERTAINMENT
CAF confirms East Africa will host AFCON 2027 amid infrastructure concerns
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reaffirmed that Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania will host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2027), dismissing speculation that the tournament could be postponed or relocated due to infrastructure delays.
Michael Oduor
DAR ES SALAAM, Tanzania —CAF President Patrice Motsepe confirmed the decision following an Executive Committee meeting in Dar es Salaam, stressing the organization's commitment to delivering the competition in East Africa.
"We have done a lot to have AFCON held in East Africa, and our dedication remains to have AFCON in East Africa," Motsepe said.
His remarks come amid growing scrutiny over stadium construction timelines, transport networks, and logistical readiness across the three host nations. Ivorian sports journalist Mamadou Gaye recently questioned whether the region's road infrastructure and operational capacity would meet CAF standards.
Motsepe, however, defended the decision, expressing confidence in the hosts' preparations and emphasizing CAF's broader strategy of rotating AFCON hosting rights across the continent.
First-Ever Three-Nation AFCON
Branded the "East Africa Pamoja" initiative, AFCON 2027 will mark the first time three countries co-host the tournament. The edition also coincides with the competition's 70th anniversary — a milestone moment for African football.
Qualifiers are scheduled from March to November 2026, with Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania qualifying automatically for the expanded 24-team tournament.
CAF has additionally signaled plans to transition AFCON to a four-year cycle beginning in 2028. The proposed shift aims to align the tournament more closely with the global football calendar while easing player workload pressures.
Infrastructure Race Against Time
All three nations are accelerating stadium and transport upgrades ahead of 2027.
- Kenya is renovating the 60,000-seat Moi International Sports Centre (Kasarani) and constructing the new Raila Odinga Stadium in Nairobi.
- Uganda and Tanzania are modernizing major venues, including upgrades to existing national stadiums.
Despite progress, questions remain over transport links, accommodation capacity, and whether construction projects will meet completion deadlines.
For East Africa, AFCON 2027 represents more than a football tournament — it is a regional statement of unity, ambition, and continental leadership. Whether the "Pamoja" vision delivers on time will shape not only the tournament's success but also East Africa's reputation on the global football stage.