In exactly one year’s time, Africa’s biggest football festival will return to East Africa for the first time in more than five decades when the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) Kenya-Tanzania-Uganda 2027 kicks off on 19 June 2027.
For the first time in the tournament’s history, three nations—Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda—will jointly host Africa’s premier football competition, marking a landmark moment for East African football and regional integration.
The last time East Africa staged the continental showpiece was in 1976 when Ethiopia hosted the tournament. Fifty-one years later, the region is preparing to welcome the continent and the world for what is expected to be one of the biggest AFCON editions ever.
CAF projects that more than 1.5 million fans will travel across the three countries during the tournament, while the competition is expected to reach a global television audience of more than 3.2 billion viewers, underlining the growing international appeal of African football.
“Pamoja” – Together for Africa
The official theme for AFCON 2027 is “PAMOJA”, the Swahili word for “Together.”The slogan reflects CAF’s vision of unity, cooperation and shared progress through football, while celebrating the unique partnership between the three East African nations hosting the tournament.
The month-long football extravaganza will conclude on 17 July 2027, although CAF is yet to confirm which of the three host nations will stage the opening match, final match and the final tournament draw scheduled for March 2027.
CAF officials continue consultations with the three Local Organising Committees and respective governments before making a final decision on the allocation of these flagship events.
The Road to AFCON 2027
Attention will now shift to the qualification campaign that will determine the 24 nations competing for the coveted continental crown.The qualifying draw was conducted in Cairo in May, setting the stage for another fiercely contested journey to the finals.
Africa’s football heavyweights, including Morocco, Egypt, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Senegal, Algeria, Nigeria, Cameroon, Tunisia, South Africa and DR Congo—will begin their qualification campaigns in September 2026.
Qualification Schedule
Matchdays 1 & 2
- 21 September – 6 October 2026
Matchdays 3 & 4
- 9 – 17 November 2026
Matchdays 5 & 6
- 22 – 30 March 2027
As hosts, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda have already secured automatic qualification for the finals. However, they will still participate in the qualification competition, with only one additional team advancing from each of their respective groups.
A Defining Moment for East Africa
AFCON 2027 represents more than football. It is a major opportunity for East Africa to showcase its infrastructure, tourism, culture and hospitality on a global stage.
New and renovated stadiums, improved transport networks and increased investment in sports facilities are expected to leave a lasting legacy long after the final whistle.
For Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, the tournament offers a rare chance to unite millions of people across borders under a shared passion for football while demonstrating the region’s ability to host world-class sporting events.
With exactly 365 days remaining until kick-off, excitement is building across Africa. The dream of lifting the continent’s most prestigious football trophy is alive for dozens of nations, while East Africa prepares to welcome the world under one message:
