Cairo, Egypt – February 12, 2026 — The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially launched a comprehensive series of stadium and infrastructure inspections in the three co-host nations of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), marking the beginning of the critical preparation phase for the continent’s flagship football tournament.
A high-level CAF delegation, comprising stadium experts, safety and security specialists, pitch consultants, media operations officers, and accommodation assessors, has been deployed to Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania — the joint hosts selected to stage the 2027 edition. The inspections, which commenced this week, will evaluate proposed venues, training facilities, team hotels, and other tournament-related infrastructure against CAF’s stringent requirements for hosting a 24-team continental championship.
The AFCON 2027 will be the first time the expanded 24-nation tournament is co-hosted by three countries. CAF confirmed in 2023 that Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania would share hosting duties after the joint bid prevailed over rival submissions. The three East African nations have pledged to deliver a combined total of at least eight stadiums that meet international standards, with each country expected to host group-stage matches and at least one knockout fixture.
Key venues under review include:
- Kenya: Kasarani Stadium (Nairobi) – the country’s flagship venue, which is undergoing major renovations
- Uganda: Namboole Stadium (Kampala) – currently being upgraded with additional capacity and modern facilities
- Tanzania: Benjamin Mkapa Stadium (Dar es Salaam) and the newly constructed Chamazi Stadium (also in Dar es Salaam), both of which have hosted CAF competitions in recent years
The CAF inspection team will assess critical elements such as:
- Pitch quality and drainage systems
- Floodlighting and power backup
- Stadium capacity and segregation requirements
- Media and broadcast facilities
- Safety and security infrastructure (CCTV, access control, emergency exits)
- VIP areas, dressing rooms, and mixed zones
- Accessibility for persons with disabilities
- Nearby training pitches and team base camps
- Hotel accommodation standards for teams, officials, and media
CAF’s Stadium and Security Committee Chairman has emphasised that the inspections are not mere formalities but a rigorous compliance exercise. “Hosting AFCON is a privilege and a responsibility,” the official stated. “We are committed to ensuring that every venue meets the highest standards of safety, comfort, and functionality so that players, fans, broadcasters, and sponsors enjoy a world-class experience.”
The 2027 tournament is scheduled to take place from June 20 to July 18, 2027, with the opening match expected to be held at one of the flagship venues in either Nairobi, Kampala, or Dar es Salaam. The final is likely to be staged at the largest and most suitable stadium among the host cities.
The inspections come at a critical juncture as the three nations continue massive infrastructure upgrades funded through public-private partnerships, government budgets, and CAF/CAF Development funding support. Kenya and Uganda, in particular, have faced scrutiny over the pace of renovations, while Tanzania has leveraged its recent hosting experience (including the 2022 CHAN and 2023 CECAFA tournaments) to position itself as the most prepared of the trio.
Fan groups and football stakeholders across East Africa have welcomed CAF’s proactive approach, urging the host governments to accelerate construction timelines and address logistical concerns such as transportation links, visa facilitation, and fan zones.
CAF has indicated that follow-up visits and progress reports will continue throughout 2026 and into early 2027, with final venue confirmations expected no later than mid-2026. Any stadium that fails to meet the required standards risks being dropped from the tournament roster.
The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations promises to be a landmark event for East African football, providing the region with a rare opportunity to showcase its growing infrastructure, passionate fan base, and organisational capacity on the global stage.
As the inspections unfold, all eyes will be on whether Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania can deliver the modern, safe, and world-class facilities demanded by Africa’s premier football competition.
