AFCON 2027 will mark a historic moment for African football. For the first time, the Africa Cup of Nations will have three host nations, with Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda sharing organizational responsibilities.CAF has already confirmed the tournament's key dates, number of participants and general qualification format.
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When and Where Will AFCON 2027 Take Place? Everything You Need to Know
The next Africa Cup of Nations will take place from June 19 to July 17, 2027, in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. It will be the first edition jointly hosted by three countries.
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When does AFCON 2027 start and finish?
The opening match will be played on Saturday, June 19, 2027.
The final is scheduled for Saturday, July 17, 2027, meaning the tournament will run for approximately one month.
Where will the tournament be played?
Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda will jointly host the competition.
It will be the first AFCON organized by three countries and will mark the tournament's return to East Africa following the 1976 edition in Ethiopia.
Which stadiums will be used?
The three host countries are already working on several stadiums expected to stage matches at AFCON 2027, although CAF has not yet published the final venue list or the complete match allocation.
In Kenya, the main venues include the new Talanta Sports Stadium in Nairobi, with a planned capacity of around 60,000, and the Moi International Sports Centre in Kasarani. CAF inspected both venues during its latest preparation visits.
Tanzania is preparing the Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, the new Samia Suluhu Hassan Stadium in Arusha, and several projects in Zanzibar, including the Fumba/Maisara Sports Complex. Benjamin Mkapa Stadium was also officially inspected by CAF in September.
In Uganda, the local organizing committee has identified three main venues: the Mandela National Stadium, also known as Namboole, in Kampala; the Hoima City Stadium; and the Akii-Bua Olympic Stadium in Lira. All three were included in CAF’s latest round of inspections and remain at different stages of preparation for the tournament.
The final stadium list, as well as the venues for the opening match and the final, is still expected to be officially confirmed by CAF.
How many national teams will participate?
The final tournament will feature 24 teams.
The three hosts have already secured automatic qualification, while the remaining 21 places will be decided through the qualifiers.
The main qualifying stage features 48 national teams divided into 12 groups of four.
When will qualifying end?
The opening two matchdays will take place between September 24 and October 6, 2026.
Matchdays 3 and 4 are scheduled for November, while the final two rounds will be played between March 22 and 30, 2027.
After that window, the complete lineup for the tournament in East Africa will be determined.
