CAF Considers Algeria for AFCON 2027 Hosting

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is reportedly considering Algeria as a potential alternative host for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). This development comes as concerns have emerged regarding the progress of stadium and wider infrastructure projects in Kenya and Uganda, two of the three East African nations initially scheduled to co-host the tournament with Tanzania. The tournament is currently set to take place from June 19 to July 17, 2027, marking the first time three countries would jointly stage the event.

Reports from Le Monde indicate that CAF has already initiated contact with several countries capable of stepping in should the current hosts face difficulties meeting the required standards. Algeria is specifically named among the nations approached, alongside South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, and Ivory Coast. These countries are recognized for their experience in hosting major international tournaments and possess stadium infrastructure potentially capable of accommodating a 24-team AFCON with short notice. Said Ali Said Athouman, president of the Comoros Football Federation, affirmed that these five nations have sufficient approved stadiums to undertake such a challenge.

Despite these reported considerations, CAF President Patrice Motsepe has publicly maintained that no alternative plan is in place, though he has acknowledged the urgency surrounding preparations for AFCON 2027. The governing body is actively monitoring the progress of the East African hosts, having completed an eight-day inspection of facilities in September 2026. A further inspection is scheduled for January 2027. While the tournament officially remains slated for East Africa, the discussions regarding alternative hosts highlight Algeria's recognized capability and readiness to potentially host a major continental sporting event.