The Confederation of African Football (CAF) categorically announced on Friday that the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will be held as scheduled, refuting all media reports that had raised doubts about a possible postponement to 2028. CAF confirmed its full commitment to holding the continent's premier tournament in East Africa, with a historic joint hosting by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
This confirmation came from CAF President Patrice Motsepe following an executive committee meeting, where he stated: “We have made a tremendous effort to bring the Africa Cup of Nations to East Africa, and our commitment to holding the tournament there remains unwavering.” Motsepe added confidently: “I believe we will organize a very successful tournament in the three countries. CAF will work closely with the host nations to ensure that every aspect of the tournament, from infrastructure to logistics, meets the highest international standards.”.
Historical background and context of the decision
The Africa Cup of Nations is the continent's premier football tournament, traditionally held every two years. However, recent editions have faced scheduling challenges, fueling speculation about the 2027 tournament. The 2021 edition was postponed to early 2022 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and the 2025 tournament, to be hosted by Morocco, was moved from the summer of 2025 to early 2026 to avoid clashing with the expanded FIFA Club World Cup. These successive changes have led some to believe that another postponement is likely, especially given the logistical challenges of co-hosting the tournament across three countries.
The importance of the tournament to the East African region
Hosting the 2027 edition marks a historic event for the East and Central Africa Football Association (CECAFA), as the tournament returns to the region for the first time since Ethiopia hosted it in 1976. This event is expected to have a tremendous economic and sporting impact on the host nations. Economically, the tournament will revitalize the tourism, hospitality, and transportation sectors, as well as create both temporary and permanent jobs. In terms of infrastructure, hosting the tournament will accelerate the development and modernization of stadiums, road networks, and airports, leaving a lasting legacy for the region. It also presents a unique opportunity for the three countries to showcase their culture and passion for football on the global stage.
Challenges and commitment to integrity
Despite assurances, challenges remain, most notably ensuring the stadiums and necessary infrastructure are ready by the deadline. Concerns have also been raised about the proposed tournament dates of June and July 2027 coinciding with Kenya's general elections, scheduled for August of the same year, which could pose security challenges. Nevertheless, CAF's confirmation reflects its confidence in the host governments' ability to fulfill their commitments and provide a safe and stable environment for the tournament.
In a related context, Motsepe stressed that CAF will continue to invest in developing referees and Video Assistant Referee (VAR) technology to ensure the highest levels of integrity and fairness in matches, referring to the lessons learned from previous tournaments, including the 2025 final, which witnessed some refereeing controversy.
