The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations is on track for a historic debut as Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania prepare to co-host the tournament, according to Acting Secretary-General of the Confederation of African Football, Samson Adamu. This will be the first time in the competition’s history that three nations jointly stage the event, marking a significant milestone for CAF and East Africa. The tournament will return to the region for the first time since Ethiopia hosted in 1976, bringing renewed excitement and regional pride to the continent’s premier football event.
Adamu expressed confidence in the ongoing preparations, dismissing concerns about infrastructure readiness across the three host countries. Speaking during an interview with SuperSport’s Soccer Africa programme, he emphasized that all systems are aligned for a successful and memorable tournament. “There is nothing to worry about. Everything is on track for Afcon2027. We are going to have an exciting, amazing and one of the best competitions in 2027,” Adamu stated.
He highlighted the unique significance of the tri-nation hosting arrangement, calling it a historic moment for CAF and a demonstration of East Africa’s unity and pride. “Having three countries coming together, the commitment from the three countries, it is the first time CAF is doing it,” he said. Adamu noted that the event is not just a national competition but a regional celebration, distinguishing it from previous editions held in Ivory Coast and Morocco.
The tournament’s rotation across different regions of Africa reflects CAF’s broader vision for inclusivity and balanced continental representation. “It is important for CAF because we went from Central Africa with Cameroon, we went to West Africa, North Africa, and now we are in Eastern Africa to organise the competition,” Adamu explained. He assured stakeholders that all necessary arrangements are in place to ensure the tournament’s success.
A total of 28 teams will compete in the 2027 edition, including the three automatically qualified hosts: Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. The expanded format and multi-country hosting are expected to enhance fan engagement and boost football development across East Africa. As preparations continue, the focus remains on delivering a world-class event that showcases the region’s potential on the continental stage. The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations is poised to set a new benchmark for future editions, reinforcing CAF’s commitment to growth and unity across the continent.
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