The Confederation of African Football is reportedly considering moving the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations from its planned June–July window to December, amid concerns over preparations in co-hosts Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
The tournament is currently scheduled to run from June 19 to July 17, 2027, according to CAF’s official calendar. The governing body has maintained its commitment to the three East African nations despite questions over infrastructure readiness.
CAF president Patrice Motsepe has expressed confidence that the countries will deliver a successful tournament. However, preparations have attracted scrutiny, particularly over stadium construction and the supporting infrastructure required to host a 24-team competition.
According to reports cited in the supplied account, CAF has explored alternative hosting options should the three countries fail to meet the required standards. Morocco, Algeria, Côte d’Ivoire, South Africa and Egypt were reportedly identified as possible alternatives.
Morocco hosted the 2025 AFCON, while Côte d’Ivoire staged the 2023 edition, which was played in early 2024. South Africa and Egypt have also hosted the continental championship.
A shift to December and January could give the co-hosts additional time to complete construction work and finalise arrangements for accommodation, transport, security and training facilities. However, such a change would require an official decision from CAF.
Nairobi’s Talanta Sports Stadium has drawn particular attention as Kenya works to complete key facilities for the tournament. In August, Kenyan officials told parliament that the stadium was 95 per cent complete and expressed confidence in the country’s preparations.
The three host nations are also working on transport networks, hospitality facilities, media and broadcast arrangements, security coordination and plans to ease travel between the countries.
CAF has continued to assess preparations across the region. In September, the organisation announced a visit to key facilities in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania as part of its preparations for the tournament.
For now, June 19 to July 17, 2027, remains the officially announced schedule. CAF has not confirmed a switch to December or announced any change to the hosting arrangements.
The coming months will be important for the three nations as they work to meet the requirements for an event that would mark the first time AFCON is jointly hosted by three countries.
