CAF Considers Backup Hosts for AFCON 2027 Amid Delays in Kenya and Uganda
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is looking into backup options for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations due to significant infrastructure delays in Kenya and Uganda. These two countries, along with Tanzania, are set to co-host the tournament from June 19 to July 17, 2027. Yet, slow progress on stadium construction and other logistical issues have raised alarms.
Infrastructure Issues Raise Concerns
During recent inspections, CAF officials found that stadiums remain unfinished and accommodations fall short of expectations in Kenya and Uganda. These shortcomings threaten to disrupt the tournament's smooth execution across the region.
Potential Backup Hosts Identified
A report by Le Monde reveals CAF has reached out to Morocco, South Africa, and Algeria as possible replacements if Kenya and Uganda cannot meet deadlines. The governing body is also considering Ivory Coast and Egypt, countries with established football infrastructure. Despite these plans, CAF president Patrice Motsepe remains optimistic about the East African hosts but acknowledges the work left to do.
CAF’s History of Switching Hosts
This would not be CAF’s first time moving the tournament. In recent years, AFCON hosting rights have shifted multiple times:
- 2013: Libya to South Africa
- 2015: Morocco to Equatorial Guinea
- 2017: Libya to Gabon
- 2019: Cameroon to Egypt
- 2025: Guinea replaced by Morocco
These changes show a pattern where CAF steps in when preparations lag behind schedule.
Time Running Out for East African Hosts
CAF plans further inspections soon before deciding whether to revoke hosting rights from Kenya and Uganda. This 36th edition is highly anticipated since it marks the return of AFCON to the CECAFA region for the first time since Ethiopia hosted in 1976. It will also be the final tournament held every two years. If Kenya and Uganda don’t speed up stadium work, their joint hosting dream may be handed over to one of the standby nations.
