Every question fans are asking about AFCON 2027 — answered directly. From tickets and dates to host cities, stadiums and how to watch, this is the complete reference guide for TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations PAMOJA 2027.
The Basics
When does AFCON 2027 start?
AFCON 2027 starts on 19 June 2027 with the opening match at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
When does AFCON 2027 end?
AFCON 2027 ends on 17 July 2027 with the final. The tournament runs for 29 days across three co-host nations.
Which country is hosting AFCON 2027?
Three countries are co-hosting AFCON 2027 — Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda — under the name TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations PAMOJA 2027. PAMOJA means “together” in Swahili. It is the first time AFCON has been co-hosted by more than one nation.
Why is it called PAMOJA 2027?
PAMOJA is the Swahili word for “together.” The name reflects the three-nation East African co-hosting arrangement and Tanzania’s lead host status. It is the most significant AFCON branding innovation since CAF rebranded the tournament in 2019.
When was the last time East Africa hosted AFCON?
1976 — when Ethiopia hosted the tournament. AFCON 2027 ends a 51-year wait for East African football fans.
How many teams are at AFCON 2027?
24 teams — the same format used since AFCON 2019. Three co-host nations qualify automatically. The remaining 21 teams qualify through the qualifying campaign which runs from September 2026 to March 2027.
How many matches are played at AFCON 2027?
52 matches in total — 36 group stage matches, 8 Round of 16, 4 Quarter-finals, 2 Semi-finals, 1 Third Place play-off and 1 Final.
Host Cities and Stadiums
Where are the AFCON 2027 matches being played?
Matches are played across seven stadiums in three countries:
| Stadium | City | Country | Capacity |
|---|---|---|---|
| Benjamin Mkapa Stadium | Dar es Salaam | Tanzania 🇹🇿 | 60,000 |
| Samia Suluhu Hassan Stadium | Arusha | Tanzania 🇹🇿 | 30,000 |
| Fumba City Stadium | Zanzibar | Tanzania 🇹🇿 | 36,500 |
| New Amaan Sports Complex | Zanzibar City | Tanzania 🇹🇿 | 15,000 |
| Talanta Stadium | Nairobi | Kenya 🇰🇪 | 60,000 |
| Moi International Sports Centre | Nairobi | Kenya 🇰🇪 | 48,000 |
| Mandela National Stadium | Kampala | Uganda 🇺🇬 | 45,000 |
Where is the AFCON 2027 opening match?
The opening match is at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania on 19 June 2027. It is expected to feature Tanzania Taifa Stars as the lead host nation.
Where is the AFCON 2027 final?
The final venue has not been officially confirmed by CAF. Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam — the largest venue at 60,000 capacity — is the most likely host for the final on 17 July 2027.
Is AFCON 2027 really being played in Zanzibar?
Yes — confirmed. AFCON 2027 will be the first Africa Cup of Nations in history to play matches on an island. Zanzibar hosts group stage matches at both the Fumba City Stadium (36,500) and the renovated New Amaan Sports Complex (15,000). For the complete guide see our AFCON 2027 Zanzibar guide.
How far is Benjamin Mkapa Stadium from the city centre?
Benjamin Mkapa Stadium is in Miburani ward, Temeke District — approximately 6km from Dar es Salaam city centre and 15km from the Msasani and Masaki hotel areas. Use Bolt or Uber to get there. Do not walk from the stadium area at night.
Tickets
How much are AFCON 2027 tickets?
Official prices have not been confirmed by CAF. Based on AFCON 2025 pricing in Morocco, group stage tickets are expected to cost $10 to $50 USD (26,500 to 132,500 TZS / 1,290 to 6,450 KES / 37,500 to 187,500 UGX) depending on category. See our complete ticket prices guide for the full breakdown.
When do AFCON 2027 tickets go on sale?
CAF has not confirmed the official sale date. Based on previous tournaments, tickets are expected to go on sale between August and October 2026 via the official CAF ticketing portal at tickets.cafonline.com. See our ticket release date guide for full details.
How do I buy AFCON 2027 tickets?
Based on AFCON 2025 the process is:
- Download the official CAF tournament app when launched
- Register for a Fan ID — mandatory before any purchase
- Add a Visa card for exclusive 48-hour presale access
- Buy at tickets.cafonline.com when sales open
- Access your digital ticket via the app on match day
See our complete step by step ticket buying guide for everything you need to know.
Can I buy AFCON 2027 tickets now?
No. Official sales have not opened as of June 2026. Any website claiming to sell AFCON 2027 tickets right now is fraudulent. Register your CAF account at tickets.cafonline.com now so you are ready the moment sales open.
Will Tanzania home matches sell out?
Yes — very quickly. Tanzania vs Nigeria and Tanzania vs Algeria at a sold-out 60,000-capacity Benjamin Mkapa Stadium will be among the most in-demand tickets in the tournament. Expect Phase 1 Visa presale tickets to sell out within hours.
How many tickets can I buy?
Based on AFCON 2025 — one ticket per match per Fan ID, maximum four tickets per transaction, maximum 30 tickets per user across the whole tournament. Each ticket is personalised and non-transferable.
Are there cheaper tickets for Tanzania residents?
CAF offered resident pricing at AFCON 2025 in Morocco. A similar provision is expected for Tanzanian, Kenyan and Ugandan residents for AFCON 2027. Official confirmation will come when the ticketing portal opens.
Groups and Fixtures
Which group is Tanzania in?
Tanzania are in Group L alongside Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar. As co-hosts Tanzania qualify automatically regardless of their qualifying results. See our complete Group L guide.
When are Tanzania’s AFCON 2027 matches?
| Date | Match | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 20 June 2027 | 🇹🇿 Tanzania vs Algeria 🇩🇿 | Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, DSM |
| 24 June 2027 | 🇹🇿 Tanzania vs Nigeria 🇳🇬 | Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, DSM |
| 28 June 2027 | 🇹🇿 Tanzania vs Madagascar 🇲🇬 | Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, DSM |
What are the kick-off times for AFCON 2027 matches?
CAF has not confirmed all kick-off times. Based on AFCON 2025, matches are typically played at three daily slots in East Africa Time (EAT, UTC+3):
| EAT | UTC | UK/GMT | West Africa (WAT) | USA East (ET) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14:00 | 11:00 | 11:00 | 12:00 | 07:00 |
| 17:00 | 14:00 | 14:00 | 15:00 | 10:00 |
| 20:00 | 17:00 | 17:00 | 18:00 | 13:00 |
When does AFCON 2027 qualifying start?
The qualifying campaign runs across three windows — Matchdays 1 and 2 (21 September to 6 October 2026), Matchdays 3 and 4 (9 to 17 November 2026) and the final Matchdays 5 and 6 (22 to 30 March 2027).
Travel and Practical
Do I need a visa to enter Tanzania?
Most African nationals can apply for a Tanzania eVisa online at visa.immigration.go.tz. Cost is $50 USD for a single entry visa. Apply at least 3 to 4 weeks before travel. See our complete practical info guide.
Do I need a yellow fever certificate for Tanzania?
Only if you are arriving from a yellow fever endemic country — including Nigeria, Ghana, DR Congo, Cameroon and Côte d’Ivoire. If flying from these countries your yellow fever certificate is mandatory at Tanzania immigration. See our health guide for the full list.
How much does it cost to attend AFCON 2027?
A realistic budget for a single fan attending 3 to 4 matches:
| Budget type | 7–10 days total |
|---|---|
| Budget | $700–1,100 USD |
| Mid-range | $1,400–2,300 USD |
| Comfortable | $2,600–4,200 USD |
See our complete budget guide for the full breakdown including flights, accommodation, food and transport in TZS, KES and UGX.
Which airlines fly to Dar es Salaam?
25 airlines serve Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) including Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, KLM, EgyptAir and Oman Air. See our complete flights guide.
Where should I stay in Dar es Salaam?
The best areas for AFCON 2027 fans are Msasani, Masaki and Oyster Bay on the Msasani Peninsula. Note that Benjamin Mkapa Stadium is in Temeke — 15km from these hotel areas. Use Bolt or Uber to the stadium on match days. See our complete accommodation guide.
Is Tanzania safe for AFCON 2027 fans?
Yes — with standard precautions. Tanzania is generally safe for tourists. The main risks are opportunistic petty crime — pickpocketing and phone snatching — rather than violence. Use Bolt exclusively, avoid walking alone at night outside tourist areas and keep valuables secure. See our complete safety guide.
What currency should I use in Tanzania?
The Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) is the official currency. USD is widely accepted at hotels, safari operators and major restaurants. Fan zones and street food vendors are cash TZS only. Current rate: approximately 1 USD = 2,600 TZS. See our money guide for ATMs, exchange and daily budgets.
Which SIM card should I buy in Tanzania?
Vodacom is the market leader with the best 4G and 5G coverage across Dar es Salaam, Arusha and Zanzibar. Yas (formerly Tigo) is a strong second. Buy at the airport on arrival — bring your passport for mandatory SIM registration. See our SIM card guide.
Watching AFCON 2027
How do I watch AFCON 2027 on TV?
Confirmed broadcast partners include TBC Tanzania (free to air), KBC Kenya (free to air), SuperSport on DStv and GOtv across Africa, beIN Sports in North Africa, MENA and USA, and Channel 4 in the UK (based on AFCON 2025 rights). See our complete broadcast guide by country.
Can I watch AFCON 2027 for free?
Yes — if you are in Tanzania, Kenya or the UK. TBC Tanzania and KBC Kenya both broadcast free to air. In the UK Channel 4 is expected to hold rights as it did for AFCON 2025 — free on TV and streaming. Fans in the USA and most other territories require a subscription to beIN Sports or equivalent.
Where can I watch AFCON 2027 in Tanzania without a ticket?
Fan zones across Dar es Salaam, Arusha and Zanzibar will screen all matches on giant outdoor screens free of charge. The Slipway complex in Msasani is the main fan zone in DSM. See our complete Where to Watch guide.
AFCON 2027 Records and History
Who has won the most AFCONs?
Egypt — with 7 titles (1957, 1959, 1986, 1998, 2006, 2008, 2010). The top five:
| Nation | Titles | Years |
|---|---|---|
| Egypt 🇪🇬 | 7 | 1957, 1959, 1986, 1998, 2006, 2008, 2010 |
| Ghana 🇬🇭 | 4 | 1963, 1965, 1978, 1982 |
| Cameroon 🇨🇲 | 5 | 1984, 1988, 2000, 2002, 2017 |
| Nigeria 🇳🇬 | 3 | 1980, 1994, 2013 |
| Côte d’Ivoire 🇨🇮 | 3 | 1992, 2015, 2023 |
Who won AFCON 2025?
Morocco won AFCON 2025 on home soil, defeating Egypt in the final. Nigeria finished third, beating Egypt in the bronze medal match.
Has Tanzania ever won AFCON?
No. Tanzania have appeared at four AFCONs — 1980, 2019, 2023 and 2025 — and have never progressed beyond the group stage. AFCON 2027 on home soil is the most significant tournament in Tanzania football history.
Still Have Questions?
If your question is not answered here visit our contact page and we will answer it directly. We update this FAQ regularly as new information is confirmed by CAF.
For the complete AFCON 2027 Tanzania planning guide — tickets, flights, accommodation, safety and match day tips — visit our practical info page. For the full fixture list visit our fixtures page. For ticket information visit our tickets guide.
Last updated: June 2026. All information based on CAF official announcements and verified sources. This page is updated as new details are confirmed.