CAF Considers Backup Hosts for AFCON 2027 Amid Delays in Kenya and Uganda
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is currently reviewing alternative options to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations as concerns grow over slow infrastructure progress in Kenya and Uganda. The tournament, planned to be co-hosted by these two countries alongside Tanzania between June 19 and July 17, faces serious challenges due to unfinished stadiums and insufficient facilities.
Major Infrastructure Setbacks Threaten Tournament Plans
CAF’s recent inspections highlighted that both Kenya and Uganda have fallen behind on key projects. Stadiums remain incomplete, accommodations are inadequate, and broader logistical issues persist across the region. These problems have raised alarms about whether the two East African nations can be ready in time to stage such a major event.
Potential Replacement Hosts Being Contacted
According to reports from BSNSports.com.ng and Le Monde, CAF has reached out to several countries as potential backups. Morocco, South Africa, and Algeria are among the frontrunners, with Ivory Coast and Egypt also under consideration due to their established sporting infrastructure. Despite this, CAF president Patrice Motsepe has publicly expressed hope that the original hosts will complete preparations but acknowledges that there is much work still to do.
CAF’s History of Moving Hosting Rights
CAF has a track record of relocating the Africa Cup of Nations when host nations struggle to meet deadlines. In recent years, the tournament was shifted from:
- Libya to South Africa in 2013
- Morocco to Equatorial Guinea in 2015
- Libya to Gabon in 2017
- Cameroon to Egypt in 2019
More recently, Guinea was replaced by Morocco for the 2025 edition. This pattern shows CAF’s readiness to intervene when hosting plans falter.
Upcoming Inspections Will Decide the Fate of East African Bid
Officials plan additional site visits in the coming months to assess progress. The 2027 tournament is particularly significant as 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 biennial event before the competition's format changes. Without rapid advancement in stadium construction, Kenya and Uganda risk losing their chance to co-host, potentially handing over responsibilities to one of CAF’s standby nations.
