AFCON 2027: Morocco, South Africa emerge as backup hosts

Morocco, South Africa and Algeria have emerged as potential replacement hosts for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) weighs contingency plans over growing concerns about preparations in Kenya and Uganda.

The three countries are reportedly among the options being considered should the East African co-hosts fail to complete critical infrastructure projects ahead of the tournament.

Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania were awarded hosting rights for the 36th edition of the AFCON, scheduled to run from June 19 to July 17, 2027. However, delays to stadium construction and wider preparations have raised doubts over whether Kenya and Uganda can meet CAF’s requirements within the available timeframe.

CAF grows concerned over preparations

Recent inspection visits have reportedly exposed significant shortcomings, particularly around stadium readiness, accommodation and logistical infrastructure.

While Tanzania is also part of the hosting arrangement, much of the concern has centred on the slow pace of work in Kenya and Uganda. The situation has prompted CAF to examine alternatives rather than wait until the final stages of preparation before deciding whether intervention is necessary.

According to French publication Le Monde, CAF has already sounded out Morocco, South Africa and Algeria about their ability to step in if the original hosts cannot deliver the required facilities.

Ivory Coast and Egypt are also understood to be on the governing body’s radar because of their established football infrastructure and previous experience of hosting major continental tournaments.

CAF president Patrice Motsepe has nevertheless maintained confidence in the East African project, while acknowledging that considerable work remains to be done.

East Africa faces familiar CAF deadline

The uncertainty surrounding the 2027 tournament reflects a pattern that has become increasingly familiar in African football, with CAF previously changing hosts when preparations failed to meet expectations.

South Africa replaced Libya as the host of the 2013 AFCON, while Equatorial Guinea took over from Morocco in 2015. Gabon replaced Libya for the 2017 tournament, and Egypt stepped in to host the 2019 edition after Cameroon lost its hosting rights.

CAF also moved the 2025 tournament from Guinea to Morocco after determining that the original hosts were not sufficiently prepared.

That history means Kenya and Uganda face considerable pressure to demonstrate rapid progress as the deadline approaches.

Race against time for historic tournament

CAF is expected to conduct further inspections in the coming months before making any definitive decision on the hosting arrangement.

For Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, the tournament represents a major opportunity to bring Africa’s biggest football competition back to the CECAFA region for the first time since Ethiopia hosted the 1976 edition.

It is also intended to be a landmark event for East African football, with the three countries hoping to showcase their growing capacity to host major international competitions.

But with less than a year remaining before the tournament, the pressure is intensifying.

Unless Kenya and Uganda significantly accelerate work on their stadiums and supporting infrastructure, CAF could be forced to activate its contingency plans and hand the tournament to a more established host.

The East African dream, therefore, is increasingly facing a race against time.