The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027, officially known as the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations PAMOJA 2027, is set to bring African football to East Africa, with Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda jointly hosting the continent’s premier men’s football tournament. The competition will mark a historic occasion as the three neighbouring nations come together to stage one of Africa’s biggest sporting events.
The 36th edition of the tournament is scheduled to take place from June 19 to July 17, 2027, bringing together 24 national teams to compete for the prestigious continental title. The three host nations will receive automatic qualification, ensuring their participation in the tournament. Matches are expected to be played across 10 stadiums in seven host cities throughout the three countries.
The joint hosting arrangement represents a significant milestone for the Council of East and Central Africa Football Associations (CECAFA) region, which will welcome the continent’s biggest football competition for the first time in this format. It also highlights the growing role of East Africa in the development and promotion of African football.
Qualification for the tournament began on March 25, 2026, and is scheduled to continue until March 30, 2027. National teams from across Africa are competing for places in the final tournament, with further qualifying matches scheduled for November 2026 and March 2027. These fixtures are expected to intensify competition as countries battle to secure their places among Africa’s top 24 sides.
The 2027 edition will also follow the return of the Africa Cup of Nations to its traditional two-year cycle, following discussions surrounding potential changes to the competition’s scheduling.
Beyond football, the tournament is expected to create significant opportunities for tourism, infrastructure development, job creation and international investment. Hosting matches across three countries could attract thousands of supporters, visitors and international media, providing a boost to the hospitality, transport and tourism sectors.
With preparations underway and qualification battles continuing, anticipation is building for what promises to be a landmark edition of African football, showcasing East Africa’s sporting ambitions, cultural diversity and ability to unite the continent through the beautiful game.