AFCON 2027: East Africa races to get tournament-ready

What the report says

Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania are entering the final stretch of preparations for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, which is set to run from June 19 to July 17, 2027. Al Jazeera reported from Nairobi that the three countries have less than nine months to complete and test stadiums, training grounds and the wider transport, hospitality and security systems needed for the tournament. It will be the first AFCON co-hosted by three nations and the event’s return to East Africa since 1976.

A recent Confederation of African Football delegation spent eight days inspecting sites across the three hosts, including stadiums, hotels, airports and other logistics. In Kenya, attention is centered on the new 60,000-seat Talanta Sports International Stadium in Nairobi, while work continues at Kasarani and other facilities. Kenyan officials said they are addressing remaining requirements, though some local observers told Al Jazeera that training grounds still need work.

Tanzania said its stadiums are more than 80 percent complete on average and expects handover to CAF in January. Officials also said training venues are progressing and that road and transport links are being upgraded, including air and ferry connections. In Uganda, officials said key stadiums are on track for completion by the end of December, with most training facilities expected to be ready by then or shortly after.

The report said the coming months will determine whether the three hosts can shift from construction to full tournament operations. Beyond the stadiums, CAF must verify that venues can support broadcasting, security, media and match-day logistics for 24 teams, making this a broader readiness test for the region.