The President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe, has firmly dismissed speculation that the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) could be postponed.
Speaking today at an important CAF Executive Committee meeting in Dar es Salaam, Motsepe confirmed that AFCON 2027 will take place as scheduled in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda from June 19 to July 18, 2027.
The tournament will not be postponed or moved to a different location, Motsepe stated, directly countering reports, including claims published by The Guardian. Recent reports suggested the tournament might be delayed until 2028 due to infrastructure and logistical concerns.
The debate intensified after Kenya’s organizing committee head indicated that a delay could be beneficial, given that the tournament falls just weeks before the country’s scheduled presidential and parliamentary elections in August 2027, a period often described as politically sensitive.
Despite these concerns, CAF leadership remains confident that preparations across the three host nations are progressing within the required framework.
Dr. Patrice Motsepe @CAF_Online President: “There was an allegation that I am going to take away AFCON 2027 from Uganda, Kenya & Tanzania because they are not ready. That is totally unfounded.” #TayariWestUpdates pic.twitter.com/4Pwe3cuey3
— Tayari WEST TV (@TayariWestTV) February 13, 2026
Expansion to 28 teams under consideration
Beyond reaffirming the 2027 schedule, Motsepe also revealed that CAF’s Executive Committee is discussing regulatory amendments and possible changes to competition structures.
Significantly, he confirmed that the organization plans to expand AFCON from 24 to 28 participating teams in future editions. “We plan to increase the number of participants in the Africa Cup of Nations from 24 to 28 teams,” Motsepe said during the press conference, according to Elbotola.
If this expansion goes through, it would be another huge shift for Africa’s biggest tournament, especially since they just bumped it up from 16 to 24 teams back in 2019. This means AFCON 2027 might be the last time seeing the 24-team setup before the new format takes over.
Even though CAF is doubling down on the 2027 timeline, questions about infrastructure readiness and logistical coordination in East Africa persist.
Read also: CAF Inspects Readiness of Kenya, Uganda & Tanzania to Host AFCON 2027
