AFCON 2027: CAF explores alternative plans for continental showpiece amid Kenya and Uganda delays
By Joel Masibo, September 29, 2026The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is reportedly considering alternative arrangements for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations as concerns grow over the pace of preparations in Kenya and Uganda.
Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania are scheduled to jointly stage the continental tournament from June 19 to July 17, 2027. However, delays in completing key infrastructure have reportedly prompted CAF to examine possible alternatives should the three East African countries fail to meet the required deadlines.
Infrastructure concerns raise alarm
According to reports by BSNSports.com.ng, recent CAF inspection visits highlighted several areas requiring urgent attention, including unfinished stadium projects, accommodation and other logistical facilities.
The concerns are particularly significant in Kenya and Uganda, where some of the infrastructure earmarked for the tournament is yet to be completed.
CAF is expected to conduct additional assessments in the coming months before making any decision regarding the tournament’s hosting arrangements.
Morocco, Algeria and South Africa considered
French newspaper Le Monde reported that CAF has contacted Morocco, Algeria and South Africa as possible contingency hosts if the East African co-hosts are unable to complete preparations on schedule.
Ivory Coast and Egypt have also reportedly emerged as potential alternatives because of their existing football infrastructure and previous experience staging major continental competitions.
Despite the reported contingency planning, CAF president Patrice Motsepe has continued to express confidence in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, while acknowledging that considerable work still needs to be done ahead of the tournament.
CAF has changed AFCON hosts before
CAF has previously moved the Africa Cup of Nations to different countries after concerns over preparations.
The 2013 tournament was transferred from Libya to South Africa, while the 2015 edition moved from Morocco to Equatorial Guinea.
Libya was again replaced by Gabon for the 2017 tournament, while Cameroon lost the hosting rights for the 2019 edition, which was eventually staged in Egypt.
CAF also replaced Guinea with Morocco as the host of the 2025 AFCON.
These previous changes demonstrate that the continental governing body has intervened when host nations have struggled to meet preparations for the competition.
The 2027 tournament would be the first AFCON to be staged in the CECAFA region since Ethiopia hosted the competition in 1976.
With the tournament less than a year away, Kenya and Uganda face mounting pressure to accelerate work on stadiums and other supporting infrastructure.
CAF is expected to continue monitoring progress through further inspections before determining whether the three-country hosting arrangement can proceed as planned.
Motsepe’s assurance and Mvurya’s promise
However, after while making venue inspection in Kenya ahead of the tournament in Nairobi on Friday, September 18, 2026, CAF President Patrice Motsepe admitted tat there will always be challenges, but maintained that ‘there is no plan B or C’ as far as the 2027 AFCON host nations are concerned.
“There will always be challenges and areas that require improvement, but we have to believe in ourselves as East Africans and Africans that we will work together and meet those deadlines,” he told a press conference.
“I’m very proud of the good work that’s taking place in Tanzania. And, we have nine months and part of my emphasis is we have to speed up, and we are here to work together to help, to assist. This is our AFCON,” he added.
On his part, Kenya’s Sports Cabinet Secretary Salim Mvurya said: “As government, we remain firmly committed to sustaining this momentum, accelerating delivery and upholding close collaboration with all stakeholders to ensure a successful continental tournament,” Mvurya said.
For Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, completing the required facilities within the remaining timeframe will be central to preserving their joint hosting plans for the 2027 continental showpiece.