CAF President Motsepe Dismisses AFCON 2027 Postponement Rumors
CAF President Patrice Motsepe has firmly quashed rumors suggesting that the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) could be postponed or stripped from its East African hosts—Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Speaking to the media in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, following a CAF Executive Committee meeting on February 13, 2026, Motsepe described the speculation as “totally unfounded,” directly countering recent media reports—including one from The Guardian—that claimed he had visited the region to revoke hosting rights or shift the tournament to 2028. He reiterated his confidence, stating, “Just to re-emphasize what I said in Morocco, which is that the AFCON next year in Kenya, in Tanzania, in Uganda is going to be enormously successful. Enormously successful.”
Motsepe acknowledged that infrastructure challenges, such as unfinished stadiums or pitches, are likely but emphasized that these would be overcome through collective effort and self-belief among Africans. He drew parallels to previous editions in Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire, where similar doubts were proven wrong as the tournaments succeeded. CAF's technical inspection teams are currently assessing venues across the three countries through February 17, covering 12 stadiums in 10 host cities—including key sites like Nairobi's Nyayo and Talanta Sports Stadiums (Kenya), Dar es Salaam's Benjamin Mkapa Stadium (Tanzania), and Kampala's Mandela National Stadium (Uganda). The joint “Pamoja Bid” remains intact, with Tanzania and Uganda having already deposited $30 million each toward obligations, and Kenya's payment anticipated shortly. The tournament is firmly scheduled for June 19 to July 18, 2027.
Looking ahead, Motsepe highlighted broader CAF reforms, including a shift to a four-year AFCON cycle starting after 2028 and the launch of an African Nations League in 2029. He urged focus on preparation rather than unfounded rumors, expressing optimism about the event becoming a major celebration of African football. The statements serve as a strong reassurance to the co-host nations and fans amid ongoing preparations.
