CAF Navigating Growing Doubts Over East Africa’s Ability to Host AFCON 2027
Serious doubts are beginning to surround the organization of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, initially awarded to Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, with growing indications that the tournament could ultimately be moved to South Africa if ongoing delays are not resolved.
When the Confederation of African Football (CAF), led by president Patrice Motsepe, announced on April 7, 2023, that the competition would be jointly hosted by three East African nations for the first time in history, the decision was widely celebrated as a turning point for regional cooperation and football development.
The tournament is scheduled to take place between June 19 and July 18, 2027. However, less than two years before kickoff, optimism is increasingly being replaced by concern.
According to a report revealed by Le Monde, following a CAF inspection visit in February 2026, significant delays and infrastructural shortcomings have raised alarm bells within African football circles. The findings suggest that the ambitious tri-nation project is far from meeting the required standards, particularly in Uganda and Kenya.
Uganda appears to be the most problematic case, Le Monde reported, noting that none of the inspected stadiums currently meet CAF’s strict Category 4 requirements, the highest level of certification needed to host AFCON matches. Projects such as the Hoima Stadium and the renovation of the Mandela National Stadium in Kampala are reportedly facing major issues, ranging from incomplete facilities to substandard media and player areas.
Kenya, meanwhile, is also under scrutiny. Despite commitments to deliver five stadiums, including major projects in Nairobi, Kakamega, and Eldoret, progress has been slower than expected. The Talanta Stadium in Nairobi, a key venue with a planned 60,000-seat capacity, was initially scheduled for completion by the end of 2025, but skepticism persists over whether deadlines will be met. Kenya’s history of withdrawing from hosting duties, notably the 1996 AFCON and the 2018 African Nations Championship, has only fueled doubts among observers.
By contrast, Tanzania is reportedly progressing more steadily and remains largely on schedule, offering a rare positive note in an otherwise worrying assessment.
Beyond stadium construction, CAF inspectors have also highlighted issues related to transport systems and the harmonization of infrastructure across the three host countries, an essential requirement for a tournament spread across multiple nations.
AFCON 2025’s pressure
Further amplifying the pressure on the East African trio is the high level set by the previous edition in Morocco. Widely regarded as a success in terms of organization, infrastructure, and global visibility, Morocco’s hosting raised expectations for what a modern AFCON should look like.
From high-quality stadiums to efficient logistics and strong media coverage, the tournament set a new standard that CAF is keen to maintain.
In this context, any shortcomings in preparation for 2027 become even more glaring. The comparison is inevitable, and it leaves little margin for error for Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, who must now match, or at least come close to, the level delivered in Morocco.
CAF Back up plan
These concerns have prompted CAF to quietly consider contingency plans. According to multiple reports, including coverage from Onze Mondial, the possibility of relocating the tournament is no longer off the table.
South Africa has emerged as the leading alternative, thanks to its proven infrastructure and experience hosting major international competitions, including the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
The idea would be to allow South Africa to take over the 2027 edition, giving Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania additional time to complete their projects and potentially host a future tournament instead. Rwanda has also been mentioned as a possible backup option, though it is seen as a less immediate solution compared to South Africa.
Despite official reassurances from local authorities, such as Kenya’s Sports Minister Salim Mvurya, who insists the country will meet international standards, the tone behind the scenes appears far more cautious. “We have known for months about the difficulties in Kenya and especially Uganda. This report only confirms our doubts,” one unnamed federation official told Onze Mondial.
CAF is understood to be keen to avoid last-minute disruptions or a repeat of past organizational challenges that have plagued major tournaments on the continent. With the shadow of a highly successful Moroccan edition still looming large, the coming months could prove decisive in determining whether East Africa can deliver on its historic promise or whether AFCON 2027 will find a new home.
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