CAF President Patrice Motsepe has ruled out speculation that the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) could be moved from Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, saying the three East African countries remain firmly on course to host the continental showpiece.
Dr Motsepe gave the assurance yesterday, September 17, 2026, shortly after arriving in Tanzania to assess preparations for the tournament, amid reports and public debate over whether CAF could consider alternative arrangements.
His statement puts the focus back on delivery as the three hosts enter a critical phase of preparations, with only about nine months remaining before the tournament begins.
“Some people, based on what has already been reported by some media organisations in Africa and elsewhere in the world, are saying that the CAF president should start thinking about Plan B and Plan C and remove AFCON from Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. That will not happen,” Dr Motsepe said.
He said CAF was not preparing an alternative hosting plan, but would instead work with the three countries to address challenges and ensure the tournament is successfully delivered.
“We are here to work together, to assist and to provide support. This is our AFCON,” he said.
Dr Motsepe also expressed satisfaction with the work being undertaken in Tanzania, while urging authorities to accelerate implementation as the tournament approaches.
The remaining months will be particularly important for the host nations, as preparations extend beyond stadiums to transport, accommodation, security, training facilities and other infrastructure required to stage matches and accommodate thousands of fans and visitors.
For Tanzania, the tournament presents an opportunity to showcase its sporting facilities and tourism sector while attracting visitors and generating business for hotels, transport operators, traders and other service providers.
But the CAF president's assurance also leaves the three governments with a clear task: turning the progress already made into completed facilities and fully operational systems within the remaining timeframe.
The 2027 AFCON will be jointly hosted by Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda, marking a major continental sporting event for East Africa and requiring close coordination between the three governments and CAF.
With Motsepe ruling out a change of hosts, the immediate challenge is no longer whether East Africa will stage AFCON 2027, but how effectively Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda can complete the preparations and deliver the tournament to the required standards.