CAF Executive Decision: Uncertainty Clouds WAFCON 2026 and AFCON 2027 Dates

 

​The future of African football’s flagship tournaments is currently hanging in the balance as the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Executive Committee meets in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, today, February 13, 2026. Chaired by President Dr. Patrice Motsepe, the high-stakes gathering is expected to provide definitive answers regarding the scheduling of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON) and the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). With a congested global football calendar and growing concerns over infrastructure readiness in East Africa, the decisions made today will reverberate across the continent’s sporting landscape for years to come.

​AFCON 2027: Will the "Pamoja" Bid Be Pushed to 2028?

​The most discussed item on the agenda is the potential postponement of the 2027 AFCON, which was historically awarded to the joint "Pamoja" bid of Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. While the tournament was originally slated for June and July 2027, swirling reports suggest a possible shift to 2028.

​Several factors are driving this speculation:

• ​Infrastructure Readiness: Technical experts have spent the week inspecting stadiums like the Kasarani (Kenya), Mandela National (Uganda), and Amaan Stadium (Tanzania). Sources indicate "major concerns" regarding the ability of these venues to meet CAF’s stringent 24-team requirements.
• ​Calendar Congestion: With the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup and the launch of the new African Nations League, finding windows for qualifying matches has become a logistical nightmare.
• ​Political Timing: In Kenya, the 2027 General Elections are scheduled for August, leading some officials to suggest that a 2028 window would offer a more stable environment for the tournament.

​Despite these rumors, FKF President Hussein Mohammed has maintained that "Kenya is ready," and Dr. Motsepe has previously insisted that the tournament will proceed as planned to foster infrastructure development in East Africa.

​WAFCON 2026: Morocco’s Withdrawal and South Africa’s Interest

​Equally pressing is the fate of the 2026 WAFCON. While Morocco was designated as the host, reports have emerged that the North African nation may withdraw due to domestic fixture congestion. This has opened the door for South Africa, who have expressed a strong interest in stepping in as emergency hosts.

​This edition of WAFCON is historic, as it marks the first time the tournament will feature 16 teams, up from 12. For the Super Falcons of Nigeria, who are the defending champions, the uncertainty over the host and venue is critical for their training camp logistics, which are currently scheduled to begin on February 20.

CAF Major Tournament Update (Feb 2026)

Tournament	Original Host	Status / Primary Concern
WAFCON 2026	Morocco	Potential Host Change; South Africa expressing interest due to Morocco fixture congestion.
AFCON 2027	Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania	Postponement Rumors; Possible shift to 2028 citing infrastructure readiness and elections.
AFCON 2028	To Be Determined	Under review for a new four-year cycle transition starting from 2028.

The Shift to a Four-Year Cycle

​The Dar es Salaam meeting is also expected to formalize CAF’s transition from a biennial (every two years) format to a four-year cycle for AFCON starting from 2028. This move is designed to align African football with the UEFA Euro and Copa América schedules, theoretically increasing the commercial value of the tournament and reducing the "club vs. country" friction experienced by African stars playing in Europe.

​Conclusion: A Defining Moment for African Football

​As Dr. Motsepe prepares to address the media following the ExCo deliberations, the stakes could not be higher. Whether CAF chooses to stay the course or hit the "pause" button on 2027, the priority remains the delivery of world-class football experiences. For the fans in Nairobi, Kampala, and Dar es Salaam, the dream of hosting the continent remains alive, even if the timeline might shift.