Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania are stepping up preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, with less than nine months remaining before the tournament begins.
The three East African countries will make history by jointly hosting the competition from June 19 to July 17, 2027. It will be the first time three nations have jointly hosted the AFCON and the first return of the tournament to East Africa since Ethiopia staged the finals in 1976.
Preparations are now focused on completing and testing stadiums, training grounds, hotels, airports and other infrastructure required for the tournament.
A delegation from the Confederation of African Football (CAF) recently spent eight days inspecting facilities across the three host nations. Officials responsible for competitions, safety and security, transportation, media, television and logistics were involved in the inspection.
In Kenya, attention is particularly focused on the newly constructed Talanta Sports International Stadium in Nairobi. The 60,000-capacity stadium is expected to serve as one of the country’s major venues during the tournament.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe visited Talanta and Kasarani Stadium during a recent inspection. While Talanta has made significant progress, work remains at Kasarani and other supporting facilities.
Kenya’s preparations extend beyond the stadiums. Training facilities, accommodation, airport infrastructure and transportation systems are also being assessed to ensure they can handle the demands of a major continental tournament.
Uganda is also working to improve its infrastructure. President Yoweri Museveni has directed the release of 102 billion Ugandan shillings to support hotel upgrades in the Bunyoro region ahead of the competition. Hoima is expected to host matches at the newly constructed Hoima City Stadium.
In Tanzania, authorities are similarly working to complete required infrastructure ahead of the tournament.
The preparations have attracted attention because of the tight construction and testing deadlines. Reports indicate that the three countries are working toward a December 31 deadline for outstanding infrastructure requirements, with another CAF inspection expected in January 2027.
Kenya’s AFCON Local Organising Committee chairman Nicholas Musonye has sought to reassure supporters that the three countries remain committed to hosting the tournament.
The three nations have also been using the period leading up to AFCON 2027 to strengthen their football structures. Kenya, for example, is participating in the AFCON qualifying campaign despite already having automatic qualification as a host nation. CAF says the qualifiers provide an opportunity for the hosts to prepare competitively for the tournament.
With the tournament approaching, attention will remain on whether the stadiums, accommodation, transport and other facilities are completed on schedule.
