AFCON 2027 to kick off in June/July as CAF dismisses postponement rumors
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed that the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will proceed as scheduled in June and July next year, with president Patrice Motsepe strongly refuting speculation of a delay or relocation.
Addressing reporters Friday in Dar es Salaam following CAF’s executive committee meeting, Motsepe labeled reports questioning the readiness of co-hosts Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda as “totally unfounded.” An inspection tour of facilities in the three East African nations will run through Tuesday.
“I am enormously confident. There are always challenges,” Motsepe stated, adding that the tournament “is going to be enormously successful.”
The announcement comes despite concerns from Kenya’s local organizing committee chair Nicholas Musonye, who suggested this week that a postponement to 2028 would benefit Kenya as the nation prepares for an August 2027 general election.
Regarding the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, Motsepe confirmed Morocco remains the host for the March 17 tournament despite South Africa offering to step in.
He emphasized the date cannot change as the competition serves as qualifiers for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.
CAF plans to expand the men’s AFCON from 24 to 28 teams in future editions.
