Algeria rules out candidacy to host Africa Cup of Nations 2027

Algeria does not wish to bid to host the Africa Cup of Nations 2027, even though the Confederation of African Football is quietly seeking contingency solutions in the face of delays accumulated by the designated host countries.

Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, which are jointly to host the tournament, are facing significant delays in their preparations nine months before kick-off. CAF President Patrice Motsepe acknowledged a “situation of great urgency” while claiming there was “neither plan B nor plan C”. Behind the scenes, however, the body is said to have begun sounding out other potential candidates with suitable infrastructure.

According to Le Monde, Morocco, South Africa and Algeria were contacted in this capacity. All three countries possess stadiums meeting the standards required for a competition of this scale. But according to WinWin, Algeria is said to have already signalled its lack of interest, deeming the development and restructuring of its domestic football a priority rather than a hastily organised tournament.

The other two options also have limitations. Morocco, which is hosting the Africa Cup of Nations 2025, is concentrating its efforts on preparing for the 2030 FIFA World Cup, which it will co-host with Spain and Portugal. South Africa, meanwhile, has a substantial stadium portfolio and had already expressed its willingness to take over the organisation of the women’s Africa Cup of Nations at short notice when it was uncertain.

For now, no official decision has been made and the East African trio remains the designated host country. The CAF has called for an acceleration of work and plans another inspection by Motsepe in January 2027. The matter will remain under close scrutiny in the coming weeks as the deadline inexorably tightens.