Africa Cup of Nations 2027: Morocco on standby as East African construction delays worry CAF

Nine months before the start of the Africa Cup of Nations 2027, scheduled for June 19 to July 17, doubts about Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda’s ability to host the competition on time are mounting. According to insider Youssef, the Talanta Sports Stadium in Nairobi is still experiencing significant construction delays, forcing the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to consider alternatives.

Three countries are said to have been sounded out in recent weeks for a possible takeover of hosting duties. Morocco is among them, backed by its modern infrastructure already operational. This is not the first time the kingdom has been mentioned in this matter: as early as mid-July, the specialized account Soccer212 claimed that CAF had privately approached Moroccan authorities. The African body then denied the information before reaffirming, a few days later, its support for the project of the three host countries.

Statements from CAF president Patrice Motsepe have not entirely eased concerns. During a visit to East Africa this week, the South African initially ruled out any backup scenario: “There is no plan B, there is no plan C. There never will be.” But in the same remarks, he acknowledged the urgency of the situation: “The problem is that we are nine months away from the Africa Cup of Nations, which is a major emergency.”

A CAF delegation recently visited the sites to assess construction progress. Several projects still appear far from completion. The next major update is expected in January, just a few months before the competition begins.