Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania accelerate preparations for AFCON 2027
The three East African hosts of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations are racing to complete stadiums, training grounds and transport systems before the tournament begins on June 19. A recent CAF inspection found progress, but officials and supporters continue to flag unfinished facilities and tight deadlines.
Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania are entering the most demanding phase of preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, with less than nine months before the tournament begins. The competition is scheduled for June 19 to July 17 and will be the first Africa Cup of Nations jointly hosted by three countries. A Confederation of African Football delegation recently inspected stadiums, training grounds, hotels, airports, transport systems and other infrastructure across the hosts.
Kenya’s main project is the 60,000-capacity Talanta Sports International Stadium in Nairobi. CAF president Patrice Motsepe said he was impressed by its progress, while work remains at Kasarani Stadium. Local organising committee chairman Nicholus Musonye said Kasarani’s pitch should be finished by the end of October and ready for handover in December.
Concerns remain over training grounds and other venues. Kenyan football fan Kelvin Kimaru said facilities for visiting teams were not yet ready. Moses Kamalik of the Boxing Federation of Kenya also identified Nyayo Stadium and Kipchoge Keino Stadium as requiring work.
Tanzania’s local organising committee said stadiums were more than 80% complete on average and training facilities about 75% complete. Five training facilities are being prepared in each host location. The government has ordered faster work on training grounds and roads, while organisers are also planning to use regional airlines, Air Tanzania and ferries.
Uganda expects its infrastructure to be ready by December 31. Hoima City Stadium has been commissioned, while Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium is due for completion by December. The country expects 10 of 12 training facilities to be ready by year-end, though some sites have faced pressure over construction speed.
The tournament will require more than completed stadiums. Broadcasting, security, media, transport, hospitality and match operations must work together. The three countries gained experience by jointly hosting the 2024 African Nations Championship, but the coming months will test whether that progress can be converted into a fully functioning AFCON operation.
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