Why AFCON 2027 in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania Could Be Postponed

It has emerged that the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), scheduled to be hosted jointly by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, could be postponed.

The three East African nations won the hosting rights in 2023 under the ‘Pamoja’ banner, beating bids from Botswana and Zambia, Senegal and Nigeria, and Benin. The tournament will mark the first time the region stages the continental showpiece.

However, according to reports by The Guardian, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) is considering pushing the tournament to 2028. CAF’s Executive Committee is set to meet on Friday, February 13, in Dar es Salaam under the chairmanship of President Patrice Motsepe to deliberate on the matter.

Concerns over readiness

One of the major concerns is whether the three host nations will be ready in time. Extensive construction works are ongoing, including the building of Talanta Stadium in Nairobi and Samia Suluhu Stadium in Arusha.

Beyond stadiums, the countries are required to upgrade infrastructure such as access roads, transport networks and accommodation facilities to meet CAF standards.

Ivorian journalist Mamadou Gaye questioned the region’s preparedness, arguing that logistical challenges could affect the tournament’s quality.

“There are no roads in the countries. Some of my colleagues from there told me it can take you two days to travel by road,” he said.

Kenya also faced ticketing and security challenges during the 2024 Africa Nations Championship (CHAN), raising further questions about large-scale event management.

Fixture congestion concerns

Another key issue is the congested international football calendar. Up to 10 African teams are expected to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which could complicate the scheduling of AFCON qualification matches.

If CAF decides to move AFCON 2027 to 2028, it would disrupt earlier plans to align the tournament with a four-year cycle. Motsepe had previously indicated that after 2027, AFCON would be staged again in 2028 and then in 2032 to synchronise with the European Championship and Copa America.

A postponement would likely force CAF to scrap the proposed 2028 edition. South Africa and Botswana had already expressed interest in hosting that tournament, with Ethiopia also reportedly in contention.

There are also plans to introduce an African Nations League to replace CHAN, adding further complexity to the continental calendar.

Calendar clashes debated

Should AFCON be moved to mid-2028, it would coincide with the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games and Euro 2028. However, some observers argue that overlapping tournaments should not deter CAF.

Ugandan journalist Clive Kyazze suggested Africa should not shy away from competing for global attention.

“I would actually prefer to have it at the same time as the Euros, an opportunity for Africa to push its own product,” he said, noting that Copa America has previously been staged concurrently with the Euros.

CAF inspection tour

Meanwhile, CAF is set to conduct inspection visits in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania to assess the state of preparations. The delegation will tour key venues, including Talanta Stadium, as part of efforts to ensure world-class standards are met.

The inspection team is expected to remain in the region until February 17, even as the Executive Committee weighs the future of AFCON 2027.