The 36th edition of the African tournament organised by the Confederation of African Football (CAF), is scheduled to be hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania from June 19 to July 18.
This edition of the AFCON tournament remains the first to be hosted by three countries, and the first in five decades to be organised in the CECAFA region, since it was hosted by Ethiopia in 1976.
However, there were reports early this week suggesting the tournament could be postponed to 2028 with the Guardian citing lack of readiness. This came just a few weeks after CAF President Patrice Motsepe had assured the 2027 AFCON would take place in East Africa as planned.
“I have a responsibility to promote African football… I believe that AFCON 2027 will be successful for Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and we will not deprive them of the opportunity to host (the competition),” Motsepe told reporters at the sidelines of the 2025 AFCON edition in Morocco.
A team of technical experts have already been sent by CAF to the three nations to inspect their respective facilities. The inspection visits by the technical experts kicked off on Monday, and will run until Tuesday, February 17, as CAF applies its strict, world-class delivery standards.
East Africa will be ready
The situation has drawn anxiety among the host nations. However, FKF supremo Mohammed has remained confident the 2027 edition will be staged without fail.
“For the avoidance of any doubt, Kenya is ready to host AFCON 2027 alongside Uganda and Tanzania,” Mohammed told Flashscore when asked about the status of hosting the edition.
When queried to elaborate the visit by CAF inspection team to the three East African nations, Mohammed said: “CAF are just doing their routine checks to ensure we have the right playing surfaces ahead of the tournament, we will be ready before the tournament begins.”
Part of the areas being inspected by CAF include technical assessments covering pitch requirements, as well as safety, security and infrastructure readiness at key match and training venues earmarked for use during the tournament.
Mohammed further confirmed Kenya’s Local Organising Committee (LOC) Infrastructure team had completed a two-day technical pitch assessment with CAF’s Pitch Management Expert, Aaron Mark Cross.
“Six venues in Kenya were inspected, including Talanta City Stadium and Nyayo National Stadium, Moi Sports Centre Kasarani, Ulinzi Sports Complex, Utalii Grounds and the Kenya Academy of Sports training facilities,” added Mohammed.
“The findings will inform pitch maintenance and enhancement plans. This exercise is crucial as it will also benefit local league matches and future international matches, ensuring facilities remain in top condition post-tournament.
“The LOC is working closely with CAF and stakeholders to deliver high-quality playing surfaces for the 2027 Pamoja AFCON tournament.”
In Kenya, CAF team will conduct a series of inspections at Kasarani Stadium, Nyayo Stadium and Talanta Sport Stadium, as well as key training sites such as the Ulinzi Sport Complex and the Kenya Academy of Sports.
Tanzania promise memorable AFCON
Tanzania government maintained they were on course to co-host a memorable AFCON. Tanzania’s Prime Minister Mwigulu Nchemba said the significant progress the nation had made so far underscored the government's steadfast commitment to making Tanzania an exceptional host for the AFCON.
“Our goal is not just to organise a world-class tournament, but to leave a lasting legacy that continues to benefit our nation long after the final whistle,” Nchemba told the media.
“We are not only focusing on upgrading stadiums and infrastructure, we are laying the foundation for the future of sports in Tanzania.”
Nchemba concluded: “This is a national undertaking that requires cooperation between government agencies, local authorities and the private sector. When all sectors unite, Tanzania will not only host a seamless tournament, but also ensure lasting benefits for the people.”
Uganda’s inspection programme includes Entebbe and Kampala, with visits to Mandela National Stadium and designated training sites. The CAF delegation will also travel to Hoima to inspect Hoima City Stadium.
The 2027 edition will be part of AFCON’s 70th anniversary, and will be the last one to be held in odd-numbered years, as CAF announced in December 2025 that AFCON would become a quadrennial tournament from 2028 onwards.
