The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reportedly approached potential alternative hosts for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) amid growing concerns over infrastructure delays in Uganda and Kenya.
According to a report by French newspaper Le Monde, CAF has reportedly contacted Morocco, South Africa and Algeria to explore the possibility of stepping in should the East African co-hosts fail to meet the required preparations. Egypt and Côte d’Ivoire have also been mentioned as possible alternatives.
Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania were selected to jointly host the continental football tournament, scheduled to take place from June 19 to July 17, 2027. The competition is expected to mark a historic return of AFCON to the East African region.
However, concerns have emerged over the readiness of key infrastructure, particularly stadiums and other facilities required to meet CAF’s standards. The delays have raised questions about whether the three countries will complete the necessary preparations before the tournament begins.
Despite the reported consultations with potential replacement hosts, CAF has not officially announced any decision to withdraw hosting rights from Uganda, Kenya or Tanzania.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe has previously expressed confidence in the East African hosts, insisting that the countries have the capacity to deliver the tournament despite the challenges. He has also acknowledged the urgency of the preparations.
In April 2026, CAF and representatives from the three host nations reaffirmed their commitment to delivering a successful tournament, with discussions focusing on infrastructure, accommodation, security, transportation, broadcasting and financing.
Further inspections are expected as CAF assesses progress on the ground and determines whether the host countries are on course to meet the required standards.
For Uganda, the tournament presents a major opportunity to showcase its sporting facilities, tourism potential and organisational capacity to the continent and the world.
However, with the tournament less than a year away, the pressure is mounting on the three governments to accelerate construction and upgrade works to avoid the possibility of losing the hosting rights.
For now, Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania remain the official hosts of AFCON 2027, while reports of potential alternatives have added fresh uncertainty to preparations for the tournament.
