Tanzania is set to take center stage in African football as it prepares to co-host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) alongside Kenya and Uganda.
The tournament will mark the first time East Africa hosts the continent’s premier football competition since Ethiopia in 1976.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe has expressed full confidence in the readiness of Tanzania and its partners, dismissing concerns about the region’s capacity to deliver a world-class event. Speaking in Rabat ahead of the 2025 AFCON final, Motsepe said:
“Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda will host a hugely successful AFCON. We are committed to developing football across Africa, and this tournament is a chance for East Africa to shine.”
Preparations are already underway in Tanzania, with stadiums and training facilities being upgraded to meet international standards.
The country’s experience co-hosting last year’s African Nations Championship (CHAN), reserved for locally-based players, is expected to provide valuable lessons ahead of the 2027 tournament.
For the government, AFCON 2027 is more than a sporting event it is a major opportunity to boost tourism, create jobs, and showcase Tanzania’s modern infrastructure and hospitality to millions of football fans across Africa.
“This is a proud moment for our country. Hosting AFCON will unite Tanzanians behind our national team and open doors for investment in sports and related sectors,” said a senior official from the Tanzania Football Federation (TFF).
The 2027 AFCON will also be the last edition before the tournament moves from a two-year to a four-year cycle, making it a landmark event in African football history.
Motsepe emphasized that awarding the tournament to East Africa reflects CAF’s mission to grow football across the continent, not just in countries with existing world-class facilities.
As Tanzania ramps up preparations, the eyes of Africa will be on the country, with football fans, investors, and tourists alike anticipating a tournament that promises excitement both on and off the pitch.