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| Next AFCON Tournament Details |
Discover the latest next AFCON tournament details, including dates, host countries, format, qualified teams, venues and tournament legacy for Africa’s premier football event.
The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is Africa’s most prestigious football championship, showcasing the continent’s best national teams and elite talent. After the dramatic conclusion of the 2025 edition held in Morocco, fans, players, and federations are already preparing for the next AFCON tournament details — including the 2027 edition and changes to the competition’s structure in coming years. This comprehensive guide provides all the latest information you need, from scheduling and hosts to format and what’s next for the iconic CAF event.
What Is AFCON?
The Africa Cup of Nations (commonly called AFCON or CAN) is a continental football tournament organized by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). First held in 1957, it has grown to include 24 national teams competing for African football supremacy. The tournament is Africa’s equivalent of the UEFA European Championship and is one of the world’s most competitive regional football events.
AFCON has been traditionally staged every two years, featuring teams from across CAF’s member associations. The competition not only crowns the African champions but also showcases rising talents who go on to impact global football.
Latest Edition: 2025 AFCON (Played in 2025–26)
Before we explore the next AFCON tournament details, it’s useful to recap the recently concluded edition:
- The 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (officially TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations, Morocco 2025) was held from 21 December 2025 to 18 January 2026 in Morocco.
- 24 teams competed across multiple cities including Rabat, Casablanca, Fès, Tangier, Marrakech, and Agadir.
- Senegal emerged as champions, winning the title after a 1–0 victory over hosts Morocco in the final at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
- The tournament marked historic moments and intense drama, returning to a December–January schedule due to conflicts with global football calendars.
The success and global interest generated by AFCON 2025 set the stage for the next AFCON tournament details and what’s ahead in the competition’s evolution.
Next AFCON Tournament: 2027 Edition
Host Countries
- The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON 2027) will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania — marking the first time the tournament is hosted by three countries simultaneously.
- This edition represents a historic moment for East Africa, as the region returns to the African football spotlight — the last time East Africa hosted AFCON was in 1976 (Ethiopia).
Tournament Dates
- AFCON 2027 is scheduled to take place in August 2027.
- Exact fixtures and matchdays will be confirmed by CAF closer to the tournament, with qualifiers expected to conclude in mid-2027.
Format & Teams
- 24 teams will again participate in the final tournament, divided into six groups of four teams.
- The top two teams from each group, plus the four best third-placed teams, will advance to the knockout stages — round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals and final.
- The competition format remains one of the next AFCON tournament details fans care most about, as it guarantees exciting group and knockout confrontations.
Significance
- AFCON 2027 will symbolically celebrate 70 years of the Africa Cup of Nations — a milestone for African football.
- It will also be the last AFCON conducted under the traditional biennial schedule, as CAF plans to move the tournament to a four-year cycle from 2028 onward.
AFCON Structural Changes: What’s Next?
CAF has announced a strategic shift in how AFCON will be scheduled:
Change to a Four-Year Cycle
- Starting from 2028, the Africa Cup of Nations will move to a four-year cycle, similar to the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship.
- This change aims to reduce player fatigue, align better with club football calendars, and elevate the tournament’s prestige on the global stage.
- As a result, AFCON 2027 will close the biennial chapter, and the next edition after 2027 will be scheduled in 2028 under the new cycle.
This makeover reflects CAF’s vision to consolidate the tournament’s quality and global relevance while managing player commitments worldwide.
Key Details on 2027 AFCON Hosts
Kenya
- Stadia in Nairobi, Kisumu, and Mombasa are likely to be among the venues after infrastructure upgrades.
- Kenya brings vibrant football culture and passionate fan support.
Uganda
- Kampala’s Mandela National Stadium will host key matches, with Uganda’s football fervor adding electric atmosphere.
- Uganda’s national team aims to make a strong showing at home.
Tanzania
- Multiple venues including in Dar es Salaam and Arusha will be used.
- Tanzania’s infrastructure investments reflect its ambition to host world-class sporting events.
This joint hosting model is part of the evolving next AFCON tournament details that highlight collaboration and regional unity in African football.
Qualification for AFCON 2027
Qualifying Rounds
- Preliminary qualification matches for AFCON 2027 began in early 2026, involving African nations across CAF zones.
- Host nations Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania will automatically qualify and are exempt from early qualification rounds.
Teams to Watch
- Traditional heavyweights like Senegal, Egypt, Cameroon, Nigeria, and Algeria are among teams expected to compete for qualification.
- Emerging teams from across Africa will strive to secure their place in the final tournament — adding fresh storylines and rivalries to the screen.
Notable Storylines Heading Into AFCON 2027
Defending Champions
- Senegal enters the next cycle as reigning champions after winning the 2025 edition. This sets the stage for a strong campaign in AFCON 2027.
Regional Rivalries
- Qualifiers have already featured intense matchups among East African teams — a sign of rising competitiveness.
Global Attention
- With African players starring in major European and global leagues, AFCON’s profile continues to grow internationally, attracting fans and broadcast deals worldwide.
How to Watch AFCON 2027
- Match coverage will be available through CAF’s official media partners and broadcasting networks across Africa, Europe, and other regions.
- Streaming details will be announced closer to the tournament, often including major sports platforms and CAF live services.
(Note: Always check official CAF announcements and broadcast rights closer to match dates.)
Stay Ready for AFCON 2027!
Bookmark the CAF official website to follow qualifiers, team lineups, fixture announcements and official updates for the next AFCON tournament details — a celebration of African football passion and excellence.
Visit the CAF TotalEnergies AFCON page for official fixtures closer to August 2027.
Conclusion
The next AFCON tournament details point to an exciting future for African football. The 2027 edition, co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, will be historic in both collaboration and competition. As the African football scene evolves — with a transition to a four-year cycle from 2028 — fans can expect even more intensity, pride, and continental spirit in this cherished global sporting event.
With qualifiers underway and teams battling for a spot, AFCON 2027 is shaping up to be one of the most anticipated editions in recent history. Whether you’re a die-hard supporter or a casual viewer, the road to the next AFCON promises thrilling matches, unforgettable moments, and celebrations of African football excellence.
