The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations could be rescheduled to the Christmas and New Year period as concerns persist over preparations in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially scheduled the tournament for 19 June to 17 July 2027, with matches due to be staged across the three East African countries.
However, reports say CAF is examining alternative arrangements because of delays to infrastructure projects and other preparations, with less than 10 months remaining before the planned kick-off.
According to Le Monde, CAF has contacted five countries to assess whether they could host the tournament if Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania are unable to meet the required standards. Morocco, Algeria, Cote d’Ivoire, South Africa and Egypt are reportedly among the possible alternatives.
The Guardian has also reported that CAF officials have discussed moving the competition to the end of 2027, following a similar scheduling arrangement for the previous edition.
One of the main concerns is Nairobi’s Talanta Sports Stadium, which remains unfinished as work continues ahead of the tournament.
Despite the uncertainty, CAF president Patrice Motsepe reaffirmed the organisation’s backing for the designated hosts during a strategic conference in Cape Verde. He said the Africa Cup of Nations would be held in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania and expressed confidence that the tournament would be a success.
Motsepe is expected to return to the three host countries in January 2027. That visit could play an important role in determining whether preparations are sufficiently advanced for the tournament to go ahead as planned.
Should CAF decide that the current hosts cannot meet the necessary requirements, the countries approached by the governing body could provide alternative venues or host the competition instead.
