By Balla Conteh
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has confirmed that the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, marking the first time the tournament will be staged by three countries.
The decision awards hosting rights to the “Pamoja” bid—Swahili for “together”—bringing the continent’s flagship football competition to East Africa for the first time since 1976.
The month-long tournament is scheduled to run from June 19 to July 18, 2027, with matches set to be played across multiple cities, including Nairobi, Dar es Salaam and Kampala.
The competition, organised under the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), will also mark a return of the tournament to East Africa after more than five decades, following Ethiopia’s hosting in 1976.
CAF said the joint bid reflects growing cooperation in African football and aims to strengthen regional infrastructure, tourism and sporting development ahead of the tournament.
Officials from the three host nations have previously pledged investments in stadium upgrades, transport systems and hospitality facilities to meet CAF requirements and support the large influx of fans expected during the event.
The expanded co-hosting format is expected to test logistical coordination across borders but is also seen as a milestone for continental collaboration in sport.
