Historic 2027 AFCON to Be Co-Hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed that the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, marking a historic first for East Africa. The tournament is set to run from June 19 to July 18, 2027, becoming the first AFCON in five decades to be held in the CECAFA region since Ethiopia hosted in 1976.
A Milestone for East African Football
This edition will be particularly significant as it coincides with AFCON’s 70th anniversary and will be the last tournament held in an odd-numbered year. Starting in 2028, the competition will shift to a quadrennial schedule, aligning with major global football events.
The three host nations are already gearing up for the challenge. Uganda has confirmed that matches will be played at Mandela National Stadium (Namboole) in Wakiso District and Hoima City Stadium. Kenya plans to utilize venues in Nairobi, Eldoret, and Kakamega, while Tanzania will host games in Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Dodoma, and Zanzibar.
Kenya Clears Financial Hurdle
The announcement follows Kenya’s last-minute payment of a $30 million (Ksh3.9 billion) hosting fee, meeting CAF’s March 30 deadline after initial delays. Tanzania and Uganda had already fulfilled their financial obligations, raising concerns over Kenya’s commitment.
Kenya’s Sports Cabinet Secretary, Salim Mvurya, assured stakeholders that the government is fully prepared. “We have met all financial and institutional requirements to co-host AFCON 2027,” he stated. The country has also restructured its Local Organising Committee (LOC) to ensure smooth preparations.
Visa Waivers and Regional Cooperation
In a bid to boost tourism and fan attendance, Uganda will waive visa fees for visitors from one month before the tournament until one month after the final. This move aims to encourage regional travel and maximize stadium turnout.
The three nations previously collaborated to host the 2024 African Nations Championship (CHAN), where Morocco defeated Madagascar 3-2 in the final. That experience is expected to streamline logistics for the larger AFCON event.
Qualifiers Underway
Early qualifying rounds took place during the March 2025 FIFA international break, with Burundi, Ethiopia, Somalia, and Eritrea advancing to the next stage. The full lineup of participating teams will be confirmed in the coming months.
With preparations now in full swing, East Africa is set to deliver a landmark tournament, showcasing the region’s growing influence in African football.
— Reported by Nexio News
