AFCON 2027: Motsepe stands firm on East Africa hosting

CAF president Dr. Patrice Motsepe has reaffirmed that the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will be staged across East Africa, with Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania set to jointly host the continent’s flagship tournament.

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Speaking during a press conference on Sunday, Motsepe underscored CAF’s commitment to the tri-nation bid despite lingering concerns about infrastructure readiness.

His remarks come in the wake of an earlier inspection that raised questions about the preparedness of the host nations, particularly Uganda.

In a major development, Motsepe also disclosed that AFCON will expand from 24 to 28 teams beginning with the 2027 edition.

The announcement followed a CAF Executive Committee meeting, although details on how the revised format will be structured remain unclear.

The competition has featured 24 teams since 2019, when it was increased from the traditional 16, and the latest expansion signals CAF’s intent to widen participation across the continent.

However, specifics regarding qualification slots and tournament organization are yet to be communicated.

Beyond AFCON 2027, CAF is planning significant structural changes to its calendar. A separate Africa Cup of Nations tournament is scheduled for 2028, after which the competition will transition to a four-year cycle.

Additionally, a new CAF Nations League is expected to be introduced in 2029, featuring annual competitions and a 16-team finals tournament held every two years.

Motsepe emphasized that these reforms are aimed at bringing stability and consistency to African football scheduling while unlocking the potential of emerging regions.

“We must move away from unpredictability in African football calendars and focus on structured growth, particularly in regions like East Africa that hold immense promise,” he noted.

Despite the ambitious plans, challenges remain on the ground. In Uganda, Mandela National Stadium is still undergoing renovations that are reportedly behind schedule. Meanwhile, Hoima City Stadium, though newly constructed, has been flagged for several deficiencies, alongside concerns over limited high-end accommodation facilities in the Bunyoro region.

Nonetheless, CAF leadership remains confident that the three nations will meet the required standards in time, keeping East Africa firmly on course to deliver a historic AFCON tournament in 2027.