2027 Africa Cup of Nations: Host Countries, Venues, and Qualification Details

The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), also known as CAN 2027, will be the 36th edition of the premier football tournament in Africa. It is set to be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda from 19 June to 18 July 2027. This marks the first time the tournament will be hosted by three countries and the first time it returns to the CECAFA region since 1976.

As part of the Africa Cup of Nations’ 70th anniversary, this edition will also be the final one held in odd-numbered years, as CAF plans to move to a quadrennial schedule starting in 2028.

Host Selection

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) chose the hosts for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations on 27 September 2023. The bid to host the tournament was contested by multiple countries including Botswana and Zambia, Nigeria and Benin, and Senegal, with Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda being selected as the hosts. This joint effort will showcase the diverse culture and footballing prowess of East Africa.

Qualification Process

The qualification matches for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will take place across various FIFA international windows starting in March 2026. The matches will be played in three phases: preliminary round (March 2026), matchdays 1-4 (September/October 2026), and matchdays 5-6 (November 2026). As host nations, Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda automatically qualify for the tournament.

Venues and Host Cities

Since Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda are co-hosting the event, the tournament will take place across 12 stadiums in 10 host cities. Initially, the tournament was expected to be staged in nine cities, with each host country proposing three cities. However, later planning discussions indicated that the tournament could include up to ten host cities. Below are the key cities and their proposed stadiums:

Here is a list of the proposed host cities and their respective stadiums for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations. The tournament will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, with matches scheduled to take place in the following cities:

Tanzania

1. Dar es Salaam
   • Stadium: Benjamin Mkapa Stadium
   • Capacity: 60,000
2. Arusha
   • Stadium: Samia Suluhu Hassan Stadium (New)
   • Capacity: 30,000
3. Dodoma
   • Stadium: Dodoma Stadium (New)
   • Capacity: 32,000
4. Zanzibar
   • Stadium: Amaan Stadium
   • Capacity: 15,000

Kenya

1. Nairobi
   • Stadiums:
     • Talanta Sports Stadium (New) – 60,000
     • Moi International Sports Centre – 55,000
     • Nyayo National Stadium – 30,000
2. Kakamega
   • Stadium: Bukhungu Stadium
   • Capacity: 25,000
3. Eldoret
   • Stadium: Kipchoge Keino Stadium
   • Capacity: 15,000

Uganda

1. Hoima
   • Stadium: Hoima City Stadium (New)
   • Capacity: 20,000
2. Lira
   • Stadium: Akii Bua Stadium (New)
   • Capacity: 20,000
3. Kampala
   • Stadium: Mandela National Stadium
   • Capacity: 60,000

These cities and their stadiums were selected to provide ample infrastructure and ensure the widest representation across the three host countries.

The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations promises to be an exciting and historic event, with Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda coming together to showcase their footballing talent and cultural heritage. With world-class stadiums, passionate football fans, and top-tier teams, AFCON 2027 is expected to be one of the most memorable editions of the tournament.