The countdown to the 2027 TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations has officially begun, with East Africa preparing to host the continent’s biggest football tournament for the first time in decades. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed that Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania will jointly stage the prestigious competition, marking a historic return of the tournament to the region.
As host nations, the three countries have automatically secured their places in the final tournament, which will feature 24 teams battling for continental glory. This automatic qualification allows the hosts to focus on preparations, including infrastructure upgrades, stadium development, and organizational readiness to ensure a successful event.
Meanwhile, the race for the remaining qualification spots is already underway. National teams from across Africa have entered a competitive qualification process that began earlier this year. The qualifiers are expected to intensify in the coming months, with group-stage matches scheduled between September and November 2026. Only the best-performing teams will secure their places alongside the hosts.
The 2027 edition holds special significance, as it will be the first time in over 50 years that the tournament is hosted in East Africa. Football fans across the region are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to witness top African talent on home soil, boosting not only sports development but also tourism and regional unity.
CAF officials have emphasized their confidence in the host nations’ ability to deliver a memorable tournament. With preparations gathering pace and qualification battles heating up, AFCON 2027 is already shaping up to be one of the most exciting editions in the competition’s history.