The last time East Africa hosted AFCON was in 1976 when Ethiopia was the host country. The tournament is returning to the region after a 47-year hiatus and will take place in stadiums spread across three countries.
AFCON 2027 will be held in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania following the acceptance of their Pamoja Bid.
The Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) move to award three East African countries hosting rights was a shot in the arm to grow the sport.
The Pamoja Bid beat stiff competition from Egypt, Senegal, Botswana, and Algeria to win.
Here is a list of stadiums in Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania where the continental showpiece will be staged:
NOTE: Some of these venues are set to undergo renovations in readiness for AFCON 2027. We’ll keep updating the images as the upgrades are carried out.
1. Moi International Sports Centre, Kasarani – Kenya
- Location: Nairobi, Kenya
- Capacity: 60,000
- Club: Mathare United, Tusker F.C.
- Popular Event Hosted: All Africa Games (1987)
- Status: Under renovation
The 60,000 seater Capacity stadium was one of the leading grounds earmarked in the Pamoja Bid to host the AFCON 2027 matches. Built in 1987, Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani is one of the largest football stadiums in Kenya.
Kasarani’s strategic proximity to the city centre and interlinked transport mediums, such as rail, road, and JKIA airport, make it an excellent choice.
Kenya was initially awarded AFCON and the CHAN champions hosting rights in 1996 and 2018, respectively, but lost the rights because the country wasn’t ready. Hosting AFCON 2027 allows it to make amends.
Moi International Stadium Kasarani renovation updates
Here’s a video showcasing the ongoing renovations at this stadium:
2. Talanta Stadium – Kenya
- Location: Nairobi, Kenya
- Capacity: 60,000
- Status: Under construction
With AFCON 2027 looming, Kenya has decided to construct a new 60,000-seater stadium, which, if completed, could host the AFCON opening and final matches.
Talanta Stadium, as it is known, is set to feature the latest technology, including large TV screens, VAR and goal-line technology.
The football-only stadium marks a shift from traditional venues constructed to host different games, including athletics.
The groundbreaking ceremony for Talanta Stadium took place on March 1, 2024.
3. Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan Stadium – Tanzania
- Location: Arusha
- Capacity: 30,000
- Status: Under Construction
Another new stadium is being constructed in the East African region in preparation for the oncoming AFCON 2027 event. Tanzania has released renders of the brand new Dr Samia Suluhu Hassan Stadium, being built from scratch in Arusha.
The stadium is set to host 30,000 people and will feature a running track, offices, a museum, and two VIP areas, among other amenities, probably to ensure the venue doesn’t remain idle at any point.
As usual, we’ll update you as we get photos and news of the construction progress.
4. Nakivubo Stadium – Uganda
- Location: Kampala, Uganda
- Capacity: 35,000
- Club: SC Villa
- Popular Event Hosted: CAF U17 Championship
- Status: Under renovation
The Nakivubo War Memorial Stadium, located in Kampala, Uganda, was under renovation well before the successful joint bid for hosting AFCON 2027 was announced. It may as well be the first stadium ready for the event.
The stadium has a 35,000 seating capacity and is surrounded by shops and eateries on the outside walls.
The decision to include a shopping centre within a stadium comes from the renovations being a public-private partnership between the Ugandan government and a local businessman.
However, it remains to be seen whether these shops or the 100% artificial turf in the stadium could be a factor that hinders it from hosting AFCON 2027.
5. Mandela National Stadium – Uganda
- Location: Kampala, Uganda
- Capacity: 45,202
- Club: Uganda Revenue Authority, Police F.C.
- Popular Event Hosted: FIFA World Cup Qualifiers
- Status: Under renovation
Mandela National Stadium, formerly the renowned Nambolee National Stadium, was built in 1997 with a $36 million grant.
The ground was renamed Mandela National Stadium to pay homage to the late anti-apartheid hero Nelson Mandela.
The Mandela National Stadium, with a capacity of 45,202, will be on the list of stadiums in Uganda to host AFCON 2027.
The stadium has hosted fiercely contested matches, such as a FIFA qualifier match between the Uganda Cranes and the Harambee Stars.
However, owing to its dilapidated condition, the stadium was closed for renovation in 2022.
Mandela National Stadium renovation updates
Here’s a YouTube video showing the current progress of renovations of the Mandela National Stadium as of January 2024.
6. Nyayo National Stadium – Kenya
- Location: Nairobi, Kenya
- Capacity: 30,000
- Club: AFC Leopards
- Popular Event Hosted: African Championships in Athletics (2010)
- Status: Not yet determined
Nyayo National Stadium is a 30,000-capacity multi-purpose stadium in Nairobi, Kenya. It was built in 1987 in anticipation of the All Africa Games being hosted in the country.
The stadium was the second ground earmarked to host AFCON 2027 matches in Kenya, in conjunction with Kasarani Stadium.
The Nyayo National Stadium also stood out in the Pamoja Bid owing to its strategic location close to the Nairobi CBD, enabling fans to access it through many routes.
How do these stadiums compare with the biggest stadiums in Africa? Are they any better compared to the top stadiums in South Africa?
7. Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium – Tanzania
- Location: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Capacity: 60,000
- Club: Simba, Young Africans
- Popular Event Hosted: Sportpesa EPL All-Stars Match
- Status: Not yet determined
Stadiums in Tanzania for AFCON 2027 matches include the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium -one of the most modern stadiums on the list.
The stadium was built in 2007 by Beijing Construction Engineering Group for the Tanzanian government at $56 million.
The multi-purpose sports complex has a seating capacity of 60,000 and hosted the Sportpesa All-Stars match between Everton and Gor Mahia.
Due to its CAF-accredited status, the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium is guaranteed to host one of the AFCON 2027 semi-final matches.
8. Chamazi Complex – Tanzania
- Location: Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
- Capacity: 10,000
- Club: Azam FC
- Popular Event Hosted: CAF Confederations Cup
- Status: Not yet determined
The Chamazi complex is also on the list of AFCON 2027 stadiums. This complex is home to Tanzanian football giants Azam FC.
The multi-purpose stadium met all CAF criteria and was approved to host international matches.
9. CCM Kirumba Stadium – Tanzania
- Location: Mwanza, Tanzania
- Capacity: 35,000
- Club: Mbao FC, Toto African
- Popular Event Hosted: Tanzanian Premier League
- Status: Not yet determined
CCM Kirumba Stadium was among the listed grounds presented by the Tanzanian government in its Pamoja Bid.
Based in Mwanza, Tanzania, the stadium has a seating capacity of 35,000 and is home to local clubs Mbao FC and Toto African.
The stadium has also hosted an international game, a friendly between Tanzania and Malawi in 2015 that ended in a 1-1 stalemate. It is set for renovations and upgrades to conform with CAF and FIFA-regulated standards.
East Africans have longed to have their national teams compete for continental glory on their home turf.
The three East African countries must rush to complete the stadiums in time to give fans a truly remarkable and thrilling experience.
Football fans and admirers can only wait to see the effect and impact of the Pamoja Bid and its legacy after the AFCON 2027.
10. Kipchoge Keino Stadium – Kenya
- Location: Eldoret, Kenya
- Capacity: 10,000
- Club: Rivatex, Eldoret KCC
- Popular Event Hosted: Athletics Kenya Olympic Trials (2016)
- Status: Stalled
The 10,000-seater Kipchoge Keino stadium is one of the selected AFCON 2027 stadiums to be renovated and expanded in anticipation of the biennial continental tournament.
The stadium received its first facelift in 2007 when the national government allocated Kshs.100 million for renovations. It is named in commemoration of Kenya’s athletic hero, Kipchoge Keino.
11. Akii Bua Olympic Stadium – Uganda
- Location: Lira, Uganda
- Capacity: 30,000
- Club: Blacks Power Uganda
- Popular Event Hosted: Ugandan Premier League
- Status: Not yet determined
The Akii Bua Olympic Stadium is one of the stadiums earmarked for construction in anticipation of hosting the AFCON 2027.
The stadium was set for construction in memory of Ugandan Olympic 400-meter hurdle gold medalist John Akii Bua. Tenders for the stadium construction were awarded to a Chinese firm for $125 million in 2017.
However, work soon stalled owing to a lack of funds. It’s a matter of time to see whether it will be completed in time before the start of the tournament.
Do you think that East Africa is really ready to host AFCON 2027? Are you confident in their facilities and preparation efforts? For comparison, check the stadiums that hosted AFCON 2024 in Ivory Coast. Share your opinion in the comments below.
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Yes! We can when we join together as one. Welcome to my family! Kenya AFON 2027
East Africa has greedy leaders who unscrupulously scudder all funds meant for development in all capacities including football infrastructure. I don’t think we stand a chance it will be wise nullify their bid to avoid any kind of disappointment.
Hope that wont be the case