CAF Considers Backup Hosts for AFCON 2027 Amid Kenya and Uganda Delays

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is reviewing backup options for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations as concerns rise over infrastructure delays in Kenya and Uganda. Both nations, along with Tanzania, are slated to co-host the tournament from June 19 to July 17, 2027. Yet, slow progress on stadium construction and related facilities has led CAF to consider other possibilities.

Serious Concerns Over Preparations

Reports indicate that CAF’s recent inspections uncovered major issues including unfinished stadiums, insufficient accommodation, and logistical challenges across the hosting regions. These problems have triggered doubts about the readiness of Kenya and Uganda to meet the event’s demands.

CAF Contacts Potential Standby Hosts

According to French media outlet Le Monde, CAF has reached out to countries like Morocco, South Africa, and Algeria as backup hosts should the East African nations fail to complete preparations on time. Additionally, Ivory Coast and Egypt are also being considered given their existing infrastructure. Despite these discussions, CAF president Patrice Motsepe remains optimistic about the East African trio but acknowledges the work still needed.

Repeating a Familiar Pattern

CAF has a history of moving hosting rights when deadlines aren’t met. Past relocations include shifting the 2013 tournament from Libya to South Africa, the 2015 event from Morocco to Equatorial Guinea, the 2017 edition from Libya to Gabon, and the 2019 competition from Cameroon to Egypt. The 2025 tournament’s move from Guinea to Morocco also reflects this trend.

Time Running Out for East Africa

CAF will conduct further inspections soon before deciding if the joint bid from Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania can continue. This 36th edition of AFCON holds special significance as it would return to the CECAFA region for the first time since Ethiopia hosted in 1976, and it will be the final biennial tournament. If Kenya and Uganda don’t speed up stadium work, their historic hosting plan could be handed over to one of the standby nations.