2027 Africa Cup of Nations: CAF confirms June 19 start for historic East African tournament

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially announced the schedule for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), confirming that the tournament will run from 19 June to 18 July.

This historic 36th edition will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania under the “Pamoja” banner, marking the first time three countries have joined forces to stage the continent’s premier football competition.

The announcement came during a meeting of the local organising committee in Kampala on 7 April 2026.

CAF and the organising committee say the event will be a major milestone for East Africa, both economically and socially.

Preparations are already well underway, including the construction of modern stadiums such as the facility in Hoima, Uganda, which is set to host multiple matches.

To facilitate travel for fans across the three nations, the Pamoja Visa has been introduced, allowing supporters to move more easily between Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.

Authorities expect more than 500,000 visitors will attend the tournament, boosting tourism and regional trade.

CAF officials highlighted the potential long-term benefits for the region, noting that hosting AFCON provides an opportunity to develop infrastructure, promote local businesses, and showcase East African culture to a global audience.

“This is not just a football tournament; it is a platform for East Africa to shine on the world stage,” a CAF spokesperson said.

The 2027 AFCON will see teams compete across multiple venues, with a full fixture list to be published in the coming months.

With the joint-hosting model and enhanced fan accessibility measures, organisers are aiming to make this edition one of the most inclusive and well-attended in AFCON history.