Exact dates for 2027 AFCON to be hosted in Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania confirmed

Following uncertainty over when the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will be staged, the Uganda Local Organising Committee (LOC) has now confirmed the dates for the upcoming continental tourney.

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The 2027 edition of AFCON, dubbed PAMOJA (Swahili word for Together), is set to be co-hosted by East African neighbours Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, and will take place from Saturday 19 June to Sunday 18 July 2027.

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The revelations were made through Uganda’s Local Organising Committee (LOC), which made public the dates, bringing an end to months of speculation on when the continental tourney will take place.

This will be the first time in history that the month-long tournament will be held in East Africa, and it is expected to see a large number of fans in attendance.

The three African countries won the bid to co-host the tournament in 2024 and embarked on preparations to ensure the tournament is a success.

Kenya commenced renovations of the Moi International Sports Center Kasarani, and the Nyayo National Stadium, the upgrading of existing facilities such as the Police Sacco Stadium, Kasarani Annexes, Kipchoge Keino Stadium, as well as the Ulinzi Sports Complex.

Additionally, the country embarked on the construction of a brand new multi-billion Talanta Sports City, which will serve as the main facility alongside Kasarani, while the rest serve as training grounds.

Uganda also built a brand new Hoima City Stadium for purposes of hosting the event alongside the upgraded Nelson Mandela Stadium (Namboole) and Akii Bua Stadium in Lira.

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Tanzania, on the other hand, has put forward the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, Samia Suluhu Stadium in Arusha, as well as the Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar.

However, a visit by CAF revealed that none of the stadiums is currently ready to host AFCON, leaving the countries with no option but to work around the clock to ensure that the required upgrades are made ahead of the tournament.

The confirmed dates come about a week after Kenya paid the $30 million (approximately Ksh3.9 billion) hosting fees as required by CAF.

With the dates confirmed, Harambee Stars head coach Benni McCarthy has his work cut out and must now move with speed to start assembling a formidable squad that will represent the country at the tournament.