JOHANNESBURG — The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, set to be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, faces some challenges but is expected to be an "enormous success," said Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe on Wednesday, July 22, 2026.

Motsepe did not specify the exact challenges but acknowledged concerns related to stadium construction in Kenya. Government officials reported in May that the new 60,000-seat Talanta Sports City stadium in Nairobi and renovations to the 48,000-capacity Moi International Sports Centre were progressing on schedule.

"We have to have confidence in our people despite the challenges and sometimes there will be failures, but we have to get up and go again," Motsepe said during a press conference in Johannesburg. He also praised the efforts of the heads of state of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda in preparing for the tournament.

The 2027 finals are scheduled from June 19 to July 17, with venues yet to be announced by CAF. Qualifiers for the 24-team tournament will begin in September 2026 and conclude by March 2027. Starting from 2028, the Africa Cup of Nations will be held every four years instead of every two.

Motsepe also revealed that bids for hosting the 2028, 2032, and 2036 tournaments have been opened, with "exciting bids" received, though he did not provide further details.

Sources