CAIRO-(MaraviPost)-The President of Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe, has officially confirmed that the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will be played as scheduled, dismissing speculation that the tournament could be postponed to 2028.
Motsepe made it clear that there are no plans to delay the continent’s biggest football showpiece, emphasizing that preparations are progressing and that CAF remains confident in the host nations’ readiness.
The tournament is scheduled to run from June 19 to July 18, 2027, setting the stage for a month long celebration of African football.
The confirmation brings relief to fans, players and participating nations who had been uncertain following widespread rumors.
The 2027 edition will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, marking a historic moment for the East African region.
It will be the first time in the tournament’s history that three countries co-host the competition.
The joint bid, popularly known as the “Pamoja” initiative meaning “together” in Swahili symbolizes regional unity and cooperation.
The three nations aim to use the tournament not only to showcase football talent but also to boost tourism, infrastructure development and regional integration.
Speculation about a possible postponement had emerged amid concerns about infrastructure readiness and scheduling challenges.
However, Motsepe dismissed such claims as unfounded, reiterating CAF’s commitment to ensuring the event proceeds as planned.
CAF has reportedly been conducting regular inspections and offering technical support to the host nations to ensure stadiums, training facilities and accommodation meet international standards well before kickoff.
The confirmation also settles debate about the tournament calendar, as CAF had been reviewing its long term scheduling strategy.
While discussions continue about possible adjustments to future editions, the 2027 tournament remains firmly on track.
For East Africa, hosting the competition is seen as a transformative opportunity.
The event is expected to draw thousands of international visitors and millions of television viewers worldwide.
