AFCON 2027 Stadiums
AFCON 2027 Stadiums
AFCON 2027 Stadiums: A Complete Guide to the Pamoja Tournament Venues in Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania
Introduction
The TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2027 is set to make history as the first edition of the tournament to be jointly hosted by three East African countries: Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. The tournament is scheduled to take place from 19 June to 17 July 2027, bringing 24 national teams, thousands of football supporters and international visitors to the region.
Known as AFCON Pamoja 2027, the tournament is more than a football competition. It is an opportunity to experience East Africa’s football culture, landscapes, wildlife, hospitality and tourism attractions.
For visitors planning to combine football with an unforgettable African adventure, Turkana Wildlife Safaris Uganda can provide an excellent starting point for exploring Uganda before or after attending AFCON matches.
AFCON 2027 Stadiums: What We Know
As of August 2026, CAF has confirmed the three-country hosting arrangement and tournament dates, but the final list of match venues has not yet been officially confirmed by CAF. CAF itself has stated that the stadiums and host cities are still to be officially confirmed.
Nevertheless, several stadiums have been identified by the host governments and football authorities as principal or alternative venues. These facilities are undergoing construction, renovation or preparation to meet tournament requirements.
Uganda AFCON 2027 Stadiums
Uganda is expected to host matches in Kampala/Wakiso and Hoima, with the country’s preparations focused particularly on two main competition venues.
1. Mandela National Stadium – Namboole
Mandela National Stadium, commonly known as Namboole, is Uganda’s most prominent football stadium and is located near Kampala.
The stadium has traditionally served as the home of Uganda’s national football team, the Uganda Cranes, and is being prepared to meet the requirements associated with hosting AFCON 2027.
Uganda’s Parliament reported in April 2026 that Uganda expects to host AFCON matches at Mandela National Stadium and Hoima City Stadium.
Namboole is particularly significant because of its location close to Kampala, Uganda’s main international gateway and commercial centre.
For international football supporters, a match at Namboole can easily be combined with visits to Kampala’s cultural attractions, restaurants, markets and nightlife.
2. Hoima City Stadium
Hoima City Stadium is another major part of Uganda’s AFCON 2027 preparations.
Hoima is located in western Uganda and has become increasingly important because of developments in the Albertine region. The stadium is being prepared as one of Uganda’s main AFCON venues.
Uganda’s Local Organising Committee has confirmed that Hoima City Stadium and Mandela National Stadium are the country’s expected competition venues, supported by designated training facilities.
The Hoima venue could also give football tourists an interesting opportunity to explore western Uganda before or after a match.
3. Akii-Bua Stadium – Backup Venue
Akii-Bua Stadium in Lira has also featured prominently in Uganda’s AFCON infrastructure plans.
However, it is important to distinguish between a main competition stadium and a backup stadium. Uganda’s Minister of State for Sports told Parliament that CAF requires each host country to have two stadiums for the competition, with an additional backup facility. He identified Namboole and Hoima as Uganda’s competition stadiums and Akii-Bua as the backup stadium.
Therefore, visitors should not assume that Akii-Bua will host AFCON matches unless the final venue arrangements change.
Kenya AFCON 2027 Stadiums
Kenya is preparing several major stadium projects and renovations for the tournament.
1. Talanta Sports City Stadium
The planned Talanta Sports City Stadium in Nairobi is one of the most ambitious stadium projects connected to AFCON 2027.
The new stadium is planned with a capacity of approximately 60,000 spectators and is intended to become one of Kenya’s flagship sporting facilities.
Kenya’s Ministry of Defence has stated that the new stadium is being developed to host AFCON 2027 alongside Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani.
2. Moi International Sports Centre – Kasarani
Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani is one of Kenya’s most established major sporting complexes.
The stadium is undergoing improvements as part of Kenya’s preparations for major international football competitions.
Kenya’s Ministry of Defence has identified Kasarani as one of the principal AFCON 2027 venues alongside Talanta Sports City.
3. Nyayo National Stadium
Nyayo National Stadium in Nairobi has also been upgraded as part of Kenya’s broader football infrastructure development.
It has a long history of hosting international football and major sporting events.
Although several Kenyan stadiums have been discussed as potential venues, supporters should wait for CAF’s final confirmation before purchasing travel arrangements based on a particular match location.
4. Kipchoge Keino Stadium
Kipchoge Keino Stadium in Eldoret has been identified as an alternative venue in Kenya’s AFCON preparations.
Kenya’s Ministry of Defence reported that the stadium is being upgraded as an alternative AFCON venue.
Tanzania AFCON 2027 Stadiums
Tanzania is also preparing stadium infrastructure for the historic tournament.
Among the country’s major football venues is Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, a modern stadium that has hosted major international football matches and continental competitions.
The New Amaan Complex in Zanzibar has also been part of Tanzania’s wider sporting infrastructure discussions.
However, as with Uganda and Kenya, football travellers should check the final CAF venue announcement before making decisions based on specific stadium assignments.
The importance of Tanzania in AFCON 2027 is significant because the country is one of the three co-hosts, alongside Uganda and Kenya.
Why AFCON 2027 Stadiums Matter
The stadiums of AFCON Pamoja 2027 represent more than football facilities.
They are part of a wider East African transformation involving:
- Sports infrastructure
- Tourism
- Transport
- Hotels and accommodation
- Hospitality
- Security
- Digital connectivity
- International travel
- Local businesses
- Cultural exchange
The tournament is expected to attract football fans from across Africa and visitors from Europe, North America, Asia and other parts of the world.
For Uganda in particular, AFCON 2027 can create an opportunity to introduce international visitors to destinations far beyond Kampala.
Combine AFCON 2027 With a Uganda Safari
One of the best ways to make an AFCON trip memorable is to combine football with a Uganda wildlife safari.
Instead of flying into Uganda simply for a match and returning home, visitors can extend their stay and experience some of the country’s remarkable national parks and wildlife destinations.
This is where Turkana Wildlife Safaris Uganda can be part of your travel experience.
A football holiday can be extended into a safari itinerary featuring destinations such as:
Murchison Falls National Park
Murchison Falls is famous for its powerful waterfall on the Nile and excellent wildlife viewing.
Visitors can enjoy game drives and boat trips where they may encounter elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, hippos, crocodiles and numerous bird species.
Queen Elizabeth National Park
Queen Elizabeth National Park is one of Uganda’s most diverse wildlife destinations.
A safari here can combine game drives with a boat cruise on the Kazinga Channel, famous for its concentration of hippos, elephants, buffaloes and other wildlife.
Bwindi Impenetrable National Park
For travellers looking for a truly special experience, Bwindi offers the opportunity to participate in mountain gorilla trekking.
The ancient forest is one of Uganda’s most famous tourism attractions and can be an extraordinary addition to an AFCON holiday.
Kibale National Park
Kibale is particularly famous for chimpanzee trekking and is often considered one of Africa’s best destinations for primate experiences.
Combining football with Kibale allows visitors to experience a very different side of Uganda.
AFCON 2027 and Uganda Tourism
AFCON Pamoja provides Uganda with an opportunity to showcase the country as both a football destination and a wildlife destination.
A visitor could, for example, spend several days in Kampala attending a match before travelling to a national park.
A longer holiday could combine:
Kampala → AFCON match → Murchison Falls → Kibale → Queen Elizabeth → Bwindi
The exact itinerary should depend on the football fixture, available match venues and the traveller’s interests.
Turkana Wildlife Safaris Uganda can help travellers turn an AFCON visit into a broader Uganda safari adventure, combining football, wildlife, scenery and cultural experiences.
Planning Your AFCON 2027 Stadium Experience
Because final stadium allocations have not yet been officially confirmed by CAF, travellers should avoid relying on unofficial venue lists.
When planning your trip, consider:
1. Wait for official match schedules
The stadium hosting a particular national team may not be known until CAF releases the final tournament schedule.
2. Book accommodation early
AFCON can create significant demand for hotels, especially around Kampala, Nairobi and Dar es Salaam.
3. Allow time for travel
East Africa is a large region. A trip involving matches in different countries may require flights or long road journeys.
4. Add a safari
If Uganda is part of your AFCON itinerary, consider adding several days for wildlife viewing.
5. Work with an experienced safari operator
A local operator such as Turkana Wildlife Safaris Uganda can help organize transportation, accommodation, park permits and safari activities around your football schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions About AFCON 2027 Stadiums
1. Where will AFCON 2027 be played?
AFCON 2027 will be jointly hosted by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania. The tournament is scheduled for 19 June to 17 July 2027.
2. Which stadiums will host AFCON 2027 in Uganda?
Uganda currently expects to use Mandela National Stadium in Namboole and Hoima City Stadium as its main competition venues, with Akii-Bua Stadium identified as a backup facility.
3. Will Namboole host AFCON 2027 matches?
Mandela National Stadium is one of Uganda’s expected main AFCON venues. However, the final match allocation remains subject to official tournament confirmation.
4. Will Hoima City Stadium host AFCON 2027?
Hoima City Stadium is expected to be one of Uganda’s two main competition stadiums for AFCON 2027.
5. Is Akii-Bua Stadium a main AFCON venue?
Current Ugandan government information identifies Akii-Bua Stadium as a backup venue, while Namboole and Hoima are the two main competition venues.
6. Which stadiums are being prepared in Kenya?
Kenya’s preparations include Talanta Sports City, Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani and alternative venue Kipchoge Keino Stadium, while Nyayo National Stadium is also part of the country’s upgraded football infrastructure.
7. Can I combine an AFCON match with a Uganda safari?
Absolutely. Uganda’s wildlife destinations make it possible to combine a football holiday with a safari to destinations such as Murchison Falls, Queen Elizabeth, Kibale and Bwindi.
8. Can Turkana Wildlife Safaris Uganda organize an AFCON safari?
Turkana Wildlife Safaris Uganda can be considered for planning a customized Uganda safari around your AFCON visit, including wildlife experiences, transportation and accommodation arrangements.
9. When should I book my Uganda safari?
It is sensible to plan early because AFCON 2027 is expected to increase demand for accommodation, transportation and tourism services.
10. Are the AFCON 2027 stadiums officially confirmed?
Not completely. As of August 2026, CAF has stated that the stadiums and host cities are yet to be officially confirmed.
Conclusion
AFCON 2027 will be a landmark event for East Africa. Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania will come together to host the continent’s premier national football tournament in a historic three-country edition.
For Uganda, Mandela National Stadium and Hoima City Stadium are currently the key competition venues, while Akii-Bua Stadium is being developed as a backup facility. Kenya is preparing major venues including Talanta Sports City and Kasarani, while Tanzania is also upgrading and preparing its football infrastructure.
Because CAF has not yet issued the final stadium and match allocations, travellers should follow official announcements before making match-specific travel arrangements.
But an AFCON trip to Uganda can be much more than ninety minutes of football.
It can be a journey through Uganda’s landscapes, wildlife and culture.
With Turkana Wildlife Safaris Uganda, football supporters can consider extending their AFCON experience into a memorable Uganda safari, watching a match in Kampala or visiting Hoima, then heading into the wilderness to encounter elephants, lions, chimpanzees, gorillas, hippos and the spectacular landscapes that make Uganda one of Africa’s remarkable safari destinations.
AFCON 2027 brings the football. Uganda brings the adventure. Turkana Wildlife Safaris Uganda can help bring the two experiences together.