CAF Sets Official Dates For AFCON 2027 Kickoff And Finale

According to Ireporter Online, the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is confirmed to take place in June and July next year, with Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda set to co-host the tournament. This was affirmed by Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe, who dismissed speculation about a potential postponement or relocation as “totally unfounded.”

Speaking at a press conference in Dar es Salaam after a CAF executive committee meeting, Motsepe expressed confidence in the hosts’ ability to deliver a successful event despite concerns over infrastructure readiness. “The AFCON next year in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda is going to be enormously successful,” he said. “We have to believe in ourselves as Africans and in the quality of the people leading African football, who are world class.”

Nicholas Musonye, chair of Kenya’s local organizing committee, had suggested that a 2028 postponement might be preferable due to the country’s general election in August 2027. However, CAF officials will continue to inspect facilities and infrastructure across the three nations to ensure preparations remain on track.

Motsepe also noted that while the exact dates for AFCON 2027 will be announced later, plans are underway to expand the tournament from 24 to 28 teams in the future. The 2028 edition of AFCON will move to a four-year cycle rather than every two years.

In related news, Motsepe confirmed that the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) will remain in Morocco, starting on 17 March, despite reports that South Africa might replace Morocco as host. He emphasized that the tournament must take place on schedule as it serves as a qualifier for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.