The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is considering moving the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to 2028 as growing questions about whether Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania will be fully prepared to host the tournament on time.
The discussions also align with CAF’s plan to move AFCON to a new four-year cycle beginning in 2028, a change confirmed by the CAF President Patrice Motsepe in 2025.
Why a Postponement Is Being Considered
The three East African hosts are still facing infrastructure delays and other preparation challenges, raising concerns about their ability to meet CAF’s 2027 requirements. CAF officials have raised a concern that the three countries expected to host the AFCON may not be fully ready, prompting discussions about whether shifting the tournament to 2028 would give them enough time to complete key projects.
This review also follows CAF’s decision to move AFCON to a four‑year cycle starting in 2028, a change that some football leaders felt was made without enough consultation. Because of this new schedule, 2028 naturally becomes the fallback year if the 2027 edition needs to be moved.
Also Read: Senegal and Morocco Slapped with Heavy Sanctions After AFCON Chaos
Although progress has been made, several important stadium and transport works are still behind schedule. Kenya invited a high‑level CAF inspection team to review the construction and suggest improvements to infrastructure while work continues.
Venues such as the Raila Odinga International Stadium, Moi International Sports Centre, and Nyayo National Stadium are at different stages of completion, and Uganda and Tanzania are working on similar timelines, with multiple projects still ongoing.
Key Meeting Expected to Offer Clarity
CAF is expected to give a clearer update after its Executive Committee meeting on February 13 in Dar es Salaam, which will be followed by a press conference. The meeting will review the progress of the three countries and determine whether AFCON can still proceed in 2027 or should be moved to 2028 under the new competition cycle.
If the tournament is postponed, AFCON would likely be held in December 2028. This avoids clashes with major global events like the UEFA European Championship and the Olympic Games, both scheduled for mid‑2028, and fits within CAF’s updated long‑term calendar.
CAF is under added pressure to prepare for both the 2027 and 2028 editions within a short timeframe, making the scheduling decision even more crucial.
AFCON’s Significance
AFCON is Africa’s biggest football tournament and has been held since 1957. It requires host countries to provide large stadiums, reliable transport, strong security, proper accommodation, broadcast facilities, and training grounds across several cities.
Also Read: How to Watch AFCON Finals as Senegal Face Hosts Morocco
In December 2025, CAF confirmed that AFCON would move from a two‑year cycle to a four‑year schedule after the 2027 edition to reduce congestion in the football calendar and align with global competitions.
Why Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania Were Chosen
Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania won the hosting rights in September 2025 through their joint Pamoja Bid, making it the first time East Africa will host AFCON. CAF supported the bid as part of its effort to expand the tournament across the continent and encourage infrastructure growth through shared hosting.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe defended the decision despite questions about stadium readiness and travel logistics. He said the hosting rights were awarded properly and confirmed that CAF’s technical teams are already helping the three countries with their preparation plans.
Motsepe added that bringing AFCON to East Africa fits CAF’s aim of using major tournaments to support regional development and cooperation.
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