CAF has decisively squashed rumours suggesting that the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) could be postponed to 2028 or stripped from its East African co-hosts.
The speculation ignited earlier this week when The Guardian reported on February 11, 2026, that serious doubts over infrastructure readiness in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda—joint hosts since the bid was awarded in September 2023—might force CAF to delay the tournament by a year.
The article highlighted concerns about stadiums, facilities, and the logistical demands of a 24-team competition spread across multiple cities, framing the potential shift as part of CAF’s plan to move to a four-year cycle from 2028 onward, which could see the 2027 edition scrapped altogether.
The report sparked immediate concern across the region, reviving memories of past AFCON disruptions like Cameroon’s 2021 tournament, postponed to 2022 due to similar infrastructure issues. With the “PAMOJA 2027” (Swahili for “together”) event less than 18 months away, fans, officials, and local media questioned whether the three nations could meet CAF’s standards in time.
Those fears were firmly put to rest on February 13, 2026. Following a CAF Executive Committee meeting in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, President Patrice Motsepe addressed the media and categorically dismissed the postponement claims as “totally unfounded.”
He described the rumours as stemming from misinterpretations and erroneous reporting, insisting the 2027 AFCON would proceed exactly as planned in the June–July summer window (northern hemisphere), with precise dates to be confirmed shortly.
Motsepe expressed deep confidence in the co-hosts, declaring the tournament “is going to be enormously successful” and emphasizing the strong commitment from the governments and football associations of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
He made clear he did not want to field further questions about the event being taken away or moved, stating emphatically, “I know AFCON will be staged here.” He also indicated that the opening match would likely take place in Tanzania, symbolizing the shared nature of the hosting arrangement.
Drawing on historical precedent, Motsepe reminded listeners that Africa has consistently overcome initial skepticism to deliver major events, and he praised the value of supporting co-hosting nations as they invest in upgrading their sporting infrastructure. He even touched on future ambitions, mentioning the possibility of expanding the finals from 24 to 28 teams down the line.
The announcement provided immediate relief and shifted the mood from anxiety to anticipation. It aligned perfectly with ongoing CAF inspection visits to venues across the three countries that very week. Football Kenya Federation officials echoed the optimism, with leaders affirming full readiness for the joint bid.