The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially confirmed the dates for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), setting the stage for one of the most anticipated editions of the continental tournament.
The competition will run from 19 June to 18 July 2027, with Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda jointly hosting the event under the ‘Pamoja AFCON’ branding.
The confirmation marks a major milestone in preparations for the tournament, which will be the first time in history that East Africa co-hosts AFCON across three nations.
It is also the first time since 1976 that the tournament will be staged in the region, raising excitement among football fans across the continent.
The 2027 edition will feature Africa’s top national teams competing for continental glory over a month-long schedule of matches spread across selected host cities in the three countries.
The joint hosting arrangement is expected to promote regional cooperation, boost tourism, and accelerate sports infrastructure development in East Africa.
CAF has maintained that the tournament will proceed as scheduled, dismissing earlier speculation about possible delays or changes to the hosting arrangements.
Officials have instead urged the three host nations to intensify preparations, particularly around stadium upgrades, transport systems, and security infrastructure to meet international standards.
In Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, governments have already begun upgrading key stadiums earmarked for the tournament.
Several venues are undergoing renovations to meet CAF requirements, including pitch improvements, seating expansions, and installation of modern facilities such as VAR (Video Assistant Referee) systems and enhanced broadcast infrastructure.
On the sporting front, attention now turns to the qualification campaign, which will determine the 24 teams that will compete in the finals.
The qualifiers are expected to conclude in the months leading up to the tournament, with intense competition anticipated across all groups as nations vie for a place in Africa’s biggest football event.
