The three East African nations won the hosting rights for the tournament, branded PAMOJA 2027, after a joint bid by Nigeria and the Benin Republic was rejected. The tripartite hosting format will also mark the final edition of AFCON under CAF’s biennial schedule.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe previously announced that the next AFCON after 2027 will take place in 2028, with subsequent tournaments held every four years, aligning the competition with global football cycles.
The technical inspection visits began this week and will continue until Tuesday, February 17, and will coincide with a visit by Motsepe to Tanzania on Friday.
Inspection Focus and CAF’s World-Class Standards
CAF has stated that the assessment will evaluate pitch quality, safety and security measures, and overall infrastructure readiness at key match and training venues selected for the tournament.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, CAF described the inspections as part of a broader strategy to improve football standards across the continent.
“By driving consistent, world-class benchmarks in infrastructure, operations and venue management, CAF aims to enhance the TotalEnergies CAF AFCON’s reputation as among the leading football tournaments in the world,” the statement read.
CAF also said the inspections support its wider goal of building a “stronger and more self-sustaining football ecosystem” through collaboration with governments and local organizers.
Site Visits Underway Across Host Nations
Tanzania:
Inspections began in Dar es Salaam, with visits planned for Arusha and Zanzibar. The mission includes reviews of Benjamin Mkapa Stadium and several training venues. In Arusha, experts will inspect Samia Suluhu Stadium, while Zanzibar’s Amaan Stadium and Fumba Stadium are also on the schedule.
Kenya:
CAF will inspect three major Nairobi venues: Kasarani Stadium, Nyayo Stadium and Talanta Sports Stadium. Training sites under review include the Ulinzi Sports Complex and the Kenya Academy of Sports.
Uganda:
The inspection programme includes Entebbe and Kampala, with visits to Mandela National Stadium and other training facilities. The delegation will also travel to Hoima to assess Hoima City Stadium.
CAF confirmed it will continue working closely with the host nations’ governments and local organising committees to ensure preparations intensify as the tournament approaches.