The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reiterated that the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will take place as scheduled in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, firmly dismissing reports suggesting the tournament could be pushed back to 2028.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe addressed the speculation on Friday following a CAF Executive Committee meeting, stressing that the continental body remains fully committed to staging Africa’s flagship tournament in East Africa.

“We have done a lot to ensure that AFCON is hosted in East Africa, and that commitment remains,” Motsepe said. “I am confident that we will deliver a very successful Africa Cup of Nations across the three countries.”

Motsepe also assured stakeholders that CAF is working hand in hand with the host nations to guarantee that all key requirements are met ahead of the tournament.

“CAF will continue to work closely with Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda to ensure that every aspect of the competition from infrastructure and stadiums to logistics and operations meets the highest international standards,” he added.

While official dates are yet to be confirmed, CAF has pencilled in June and July 2027 for the tournament, a timeline that would see the competition conclude before Kenya’s general elections scheduled for August.

The 2027 edition will make history as the first Africa Cup of Nations to be jointly hosted by three countries, marking a major milestone for the region and the tournament itself.

East Africa last staged the Africa Cup of Nations in 1976, when Ethiopia hosted the competition, making the 2027 event a long-awaited return of Africa’s biggest football festival to the region.

CAF has further emphasised that preparations across the three host nations are under close supervision, with stadium upgrades, training facilities, and transportation networks being regularly assessed to ensure full compliance with CAF and international standards.