The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations could be postponed from its planned summer slot amid growing concerns over preparations in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

The three countries are scheduled to host the tournament from 19 June to 17 July, with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) continuing to publicly insist that the event will take place as planned.

CAF president Patrice Motsepe repeated that message last week during a strategic conference in Cape Verde, saying: “We will go to Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.” He also promised that the tournament would be “the most successful Africa Cup of Nations”.

However, behind the scenes, there is increasing concern within CAF over the slow progress of construction and organisational work in the three “Pamoja” host nations, with less than 10 months remaining before the competition begins.

Motsepe acknowledged the seriousness of the situation shortly before the start of the qualifying campaign. He admitted that “there was a situation of great urgency, nine months before the Africa Cup of Nations”.

According to Le Monde, CAF has sounded out five countries that could step in to host the tournament at short notice. They are Morocco, hosts of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, Algeria, Cote d’Ivoire, South Africa and Egypt.

A further option has reportedly emerged in recent weeks. The Guardian says CAF has discussed moving the competition to the Christmas and New Year period, following the precedent of the previous edition, which was played across December and January.

The condition of the planned venues remains a particular concern. Nairobi’s Talanta Sports Stadium, for example, had still not been completed at the time of writing.

Motsepe is due to make another inspection visit in January 2027. That trip could prove decisive as CAF assesses whether Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania can deliver the tournament on schedule, or whether an alternative arrangement will be required.