AFCON Tanzania 2027

AFCON 2027 Dates, Host Countries and Schedule — Complete Guide

AFCON 2027 runs from 19 June to 17 July 2027 across three co-host nations: Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. Officially branded TotalEnergies CAF AFCON PAMOJA 2027, this is the 36th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations — the first co-hosted by three nations, the first in East Africa since 1976, and the last biennial AFCON in history. Here is everything confirmed.

AFCON 2027 — Key Dates at a Glance

The dates were approved by the FIFA Council at a meeting in Vancouver, Canada and confirmed by CAF on 2 May 2026. The tournament runs 29 days — the same duration as recent AFCON editions.

Host Countries — Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda

AFCON 2027 is the first Africa Cup of Nations ever co-hosted by three nations. The East Africa PAMOJA bid by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda was awarded hosting rights by CAF on 27 September 2023, beating rival bids from Egypt, Senegal, Botswana and Algeria.

Tanzania is the lead co-host with four venues across three cities — more than any other host nation. Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam is CAF-accredited and guaranteed to host at least one semi-final. CAF will announce the opening match and final venues separately.

The Three Host Nations — Quick Facts

🇹🇿 Tanzania

Tanzania hosts the most matches of any AFCON 2027 nation. Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam (60,000) has been renovated to CAF standards. The new Samia Suluhu Hassan Stadium in Arusha (30,000) is under construction at a cost of $112 million, targeting completion July 2026. Fumba City Stadium in Zanzibar (36,500) is a new build on the coast of Fumba. Tanzania’s national team — Taifa Stars — qualify automatically as co-hosts and are placed in Group L alongside Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar for the qualifying campaign. See our Zanzibar guide, Arusha guide and Dar es Salaam accommodation guide.

🇰🇪 Kenya

Kenya’s flagship venue is the brand new Talanta Stadium (officially Raila Odinga International Stadium), a 60,000-seat football-specific arena under construction in Nairobi’s Jamhuri Grounds. Kenya’s national team — Harambee Stars — also qualify automatically as co-hosts, placed in Group D alongside South Africa, Guinea and Eritrea. See our Nairobi travel guide.

🇺🇬 Uganda

Uganda hosts matches at Mandela National Stadium in Kampala (45,000) and the new Hoima City Stadium (20,000). Uganda’s Cranes qualify automatically as co-hosts, placed in Group H alongside Tunisia, Libya and Botswana.

AFCON 2027 Format

AFCON 2027 Qualifying Schedule

48 teams were drawn into 12 groups of 4 on 19 May 2026 in Cairo. The top two teams from each group qualify for AFCON 2027. In groups containing co-host nations (Groups D, H and L), only one spot is contested — the hosts qualify automatically.

The full 24-team lineup will be confirmed by end of March 2027. Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda are already confirmed as co-hosts. See our complete qualifying schedule guide and our all 24 teams guide.

Why AFCON 2027 Is Historic

First co-hosted by three nations. No previous AFCON has been shared across three countries simultaneously. Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda each host matches across seven stadiums and six cities.

East Africa’s first AFCON in 51 years. The last time East Africa hosted the tournament was Ethiopia in 1976. An entire generation of fans in Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda has waited their whole lives for this moment.

The last biennial AFCON ever. CAF president Patrice Motsepe announced in December 2025 that AFCON moves to a quadrennial format from 2028. AFCON 2027 is the 36th edition and the last to be held every two years. After this, the tournament will be held every four years — the same cycle as the FIFA World Cup and UEFA European Championship. See our full guide to why AFCON 2027 is the last of its kind.

Best player availability in AFCON history. AFCON 2027 runs in the European summer — 19 June to 17 July — meaning European club seasons will be fully complete before a single match is played. Victor Osimhen, Mohamed Salah, Achraf Hakimi, Riyad Mahrez and Sadio Mane will all be available, rested and at full strength.

Tickets — When Do They Go on Sale?

Official AFCON 2027 ticket sales are expected to open between August and October 2026 via tickets.cafonline.com. No official announcement has been made yet. To be ready when sales open:

1. Register an account at tickets.cafonline.com now — mandatory before any purchase
2. Get a Visa card — gives 48-hour exclusive presale access before the general public
3. Bookmark our ticket release date guide — updated immediately when CAF announces

See our ticket prices guide for expected costs in TZS, KES and UGX and our how to buy tickets guide for the full step-by-step process.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is AFCON 2027?

AFCON 2027 runs from Saturday 19 June to Saturday 17 July 2027.

Who is hosting AFCON 2027?

Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda are co-hosting AFCON 2027 — the first time three nations have jointly hosted the tournament.

Where is AFCON 2027 being held?

Across seven stadiums in six cities: Dar es Salaam, Arusha and Zanzibar in Tanzania; Nairobi in Kenya; Kampala and Hoima in Uganda.

What is the AFCON 2027 schedule?

Group stage runs 19–30 June 2027. Round of 16: 2–5 July. Quarter-finals: 7–8 July. Semi-finals: 11–12 July. Final: 17 July 2027.

Which country is hosting the AFCON 2027 final?

Not yet confirmed by CAF. The leading candidate is Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam (60,000). CAF will announce the final venue separately. See our AFCON 2027 final guide.

When do AFCON 2027 qualifying matches start?

Qualifying begins 21 September 2026. The full 24-team lineup is confirmed by end of March 2027.

How many teams are in AFCON 2027?

24 teams — three qualify automatically as co-hosts (Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda) and 21 qualify through the 12-group qualifying campaign.

Is AFCON 2027 the last biennial AFCON?

Yes. CAF announced in December 2025 that AFCON moves to a quadrennial (four-year) cycle from 2028. AFCON 2027 is the last edition to be held every two years.

For all AFCON 2027 stadiums see our complete stadiums guide. For tickets see our tickets guide. For the complete fixture list see our fixtures guide. For the opening match see our opening match guide. For our tournament predictions see our predictions guide.

Tournament dates confirmed by CAF official statement 2 May 2026, approved by FIFA Council in Vancouver. Host nation confirmed by CAF 27 September 2023. Qualifying draw confirmed by CAF 19 May 2026 in Cairo. Qualifying schedule confirmed by CAF. This page will be updated as further details are announced.

AFCON 2027 — The Last One: Why This Tournament Will Never Happen Again

On Saturday 17 July 2027, a referee will blow the final whistle somewhere in East Africa and the winning players will lift the Africa Cup of Nations trophy. That moment will be celebrated as it always is. What most of those fans will not fully realise — what even many footballers on that pitch will not fully appreciate — is that they are watching the last biennial Africa Cup of Nations in history. After 70 years, the tournament as African football has always known it will be over.

What Changed — and When

On 20 December 2025, the day before AFCON 2025 kicked off in Morocco, CAF president Patrice Motsepe walked into a press conference and changed African football forever. He announced that AFCON would move to a four-year cycle from 2028. FIFA secretary general Mattias Grafström stood beside him and called it a “historic decision.”

The timeline is this:

AFCON has been held every two years since 1968 — with one exception, a one-year gap between the 2012 and 2013 editions. For 57 years, African football has breathed to a biennial rhythm. A new qualifying campaign every two years. A new tournament every two years. Heartbreak or glory every two years. That rhythm ends in Tanzania in 2027.

Seventy Years of Every Two Years

The first Africa Cup of Nations was held in 1957 in Sudan — three teams, two matches, Sudan beating Egypt 2-1 in the final. It has been held 35 times since. The tournament expanded from 16 teams to 24 in 2019. It has been held in Sudan, Ethiopia, Egypt, Tunisia, Ghana, Libya, Morocco, Uganda, Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Mali, Nigeria, Senegal, Burkina Faso, Equatorial Guinea, Angola, Gabon, South Africa and Guinea. It has made stars of Roger Milla, George Weah, Didier Drogba, Jay-Jay Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu, Riyad Mahrez, Sadio Mane and Mohamed Salah. Every two years, for 70 years, Africa has stopped to watch its football championship.

On 17 July 2027, that 70-year chapter closes. AFCON 2027 is the 36th edition of the tournament. It is the last one in the format that created all of those moments.

What Happens After AFCON 2027

The announcement has nuances that most coverage missed. This is not simply “AFCON goes quadrennial.” The full picture:

• AFCON 2027 — goes ahead as planned, 19 June to 17 July, Tanzania/Kenya/Uganda, 24 teams
• AFCON 2028 — a transition edition squeezed in just one year later. Three bids received: Morocco, Ethiopia, and a joint South Africa/Botswana bid. Host to be confirmed. This is the awkward handshake between eras.
• AFCON 2032 — the first true quadrennial AFCON. Four-year wait. Expected 28 teams. Same year as UEFA Euro 2032. Two of the world’s great continental championships competing for global attention simultaneously.
• African Nations League — from 2029 — a new annual competition featuring all 54 CAF member nations, divided into four regional zones, with matches in September, October and November. Motsepe’s answer to the revenue question: “Historically, the Nations Cup was the prime resource for us, but now we will get financial resources every year.”

The financial logic is sound. AFCON accounts for an estimated 80% of CAF’s total revenue. Moving to quadrennial and replacing the gap years with a Nations League gives CAF commercial income every year rather than every two. It also resolves the perennial conflict with European clubs who lose their African players mid-season — a four-year AFCON in the summer, aligned with the European off-season, eliminates that problem permanently.

What AFCON 2027 Means for the Players

For a generation of African football’s greatest players, AFCON 2027 is not just another tournament. It is almost certainly their last.

Riyad Mahrez will be 36 years old in 2027. He scored one of the great AFCON moments — a last-minute free-kick against Nigeria in the 2019 semi-final. He has won one AFCON title. Algeria desperately want a third. If they qualify and he plays in Tanzania, he will not be playing in AFCON 2028 at 37 and certainly not AFCON 2032 at 41. This is it for Mahrez.

Mohamed Salah will be 35. The greatest Egyptian player of his generation has never won AFCON. Egypt lost the 2021 final on penalties to Senegal. They lost the 2017 final to Cameroon. Salah’s hunger for that trophy is well documented. Tanzania in 2027 is almost certainly his last genuine chance. The weight of that will follow him onto every pitch.

Sadio Mane will be 35. Already won AFCON 2022 with Senegal, already won the World Player of the Year. For Mane, AFCON 2027 is legacy — a chance to defend Senegal’s title on African soil in a tournament he may never play again.

Aissa Mandi will be 36. Algeria’s captain, over 100 international appearances, has lived through the 2019 triumph and the 2021 and 2023 humiliations. He will never play in AFCON 2032. Tanzania is his last chapter.

When those players lift the trophy in Dar es Salaam or Nairobi on 17 July 2027, they will not be celebrating just a tournament win. They will be the last players to have competed in and won a biennial Africa Cup of Nations. That is a place in history that will not be shared with anyone who plays after them.

Why AFCON 2027 Has the Best Players in the Tournament’s History

The quadrennial announcement was made alongside a change that transforms AFCON 2027 itself: for the first time in years, the tournament runs in the European summer. The AFCON 2027 schedule — 19 June to 17 July 2027 — means European club seasons will be fully complete before a single match is played.

Every major European club will have finished their season before 19 June 2027. Victor Osimhen, Achraf Hakimi, Mohamed Salah, Riyad Mahrez, Sadio Mane, Ismail Bennacer, Ademola Lookman, Sébastien Haller — every one of them fully rested, fully available, with no club pressure, no mid-season injury risk, no manager objections. AFCON 2027 will have the deepest pool of available, fully fit elite players in the tournament’s 70-year history.

This has never happened before. AFCON 2021 in Cameroon was held in January and February — clubs refused to release players, squads were disrupted, some of the continent’s best players arrived exhausted from their club campaigns. AFCON 2023 in Ivory Coast was the same. AFCON 2025 in Morocco was pushed back from summer to December because of the FIFA Club World Cup. Only AFCON 2027, in its summer window in East Africa, gets African football’s best players at their genuine peak.

What East Africa’s Long Wait Means

The last time AFCON was held in East Africa was 1976 — Ethiopia was the host. Everyone alive in Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda on 19 June 2027 who cares about football will remember that date. Fifty-one years of waiting ends on that day.

But there is something else. Tanzania did not just wait 51 years for AFCON. Tanzania waited 51 years and then got the last biennial edition — the most historically significant tournament in the competition’s modern era. If the first AFCON in East Africa since 1976 had been a routine edition held between two normal quadrennial tournaments, it would still have been extraordinary. But East Africa gets the one that closes an era. The one where the last great generation of biennial-AFCON players plays their final chapter. The one that will be remembered not just for who won it but for what it represented.

Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda did not just win a hosting bid. They won the right to host the end of an age.

AFCON 2027 — The Key Facts

For the complete AFCON 2027 fixture list see our fixtures guide. For all seven stadiums see our stadiums guide. For tickets see our tickets guide. For the opening match see our opening match guide. For the final see our final guide. For our tournament predictions see our predictions guide.

CAF quadrennial announcement sourced from ESPN, Al Jazeera, Pan African Visions and Inside World Football, December 2025. AFCON 2028 bid information sourced from Wikipedia and Daily Sports, February 2026. Tournament dates confirmed by CAF official statement May 2026.

AFCON 2027 Final — Date, Venue Candidates and Everything Confirmed

The AFCON 2027 final is confirmed for Saturday 17 July 2027. The venue — which of the three co-host nations will stage the last match of the tournament — has not yet been officially announced by CAF. This guide covers everything confirmed, the leading candidates and why the AFCON 2027 final will be one of the great occasions in African football history.

AFCON 2027 Final — Confirmed Facts

“CAF will announce the country that will host the opening match and the final in due course,” CAF said on 2 May 2026. The dates were approved by the FIFA Council in Vancouver. CAF will make the venue announcement separately once logistical planning between the three host nations is finalised.

The Three Candidates for the Final

🇹🇿 Benjamin Mkapa Stadium — Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Tanzania’s flagship venue and the strongest candidate for the AFCON 2027 final. Due to its CAF-accredited status, the Benjamin Mkapa National Stadium is guaranteed to host one of the AFCON 2027 semi-final matches. A semi-final venue hosting the final is the standard format — and Tanzania as lead host makes Benjamin Mkapa the logical choice.

The case for Benjamin Mkapa is strong. Tanzania is the lead co-host with four venues across three cities — the most of any host nation. The renovation is 95% complete. Tanzania has paid its hosting fees in full. And by AFCON tradition, the final is hosted by the nation that hosts the most matches. All roads point to Dar es Salaam.

🇰🇪 Talanta Stadium (Raila Odinga International Stadium) — Nairobi, Kenya

Kenya’s brand new 60,000-seat purpose-built arena in the Jamhuri Grounds area along Ngong Road. The Raila Odinga International Stadium is nearing completion ahead of AFCON 2027, with major structural works complete and teams now finalizing ICT systems, broadcast infrastructure and spectator facilities.

Talanta is the tournament’s most spectacular new build — a football-specific stadium with no athletics track, purpose-designed for the highest level of play. If CAF wants to showcase a statement venue for the final, Talanta makes the argument. The caveat: it must achieve full CAF certification before the tournament begins.

🇺🇬 Mandela National Stadium — Kampala, Uganda

Uganda’s main venue with a 45,000 capacity, undergoing renovation to meet CAF standards. The least likely candidate for the final given its smaller capacity relative to the other two, but Uganda’s co-host status keeps it in contention for a semi-final at minimum.

Why Tanzania Is the Most Likely Host of the Final

History, logic and the structure of the AFCON 2027 bid all point toward Tanzania hosting the final at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium:

• Tanzania is the lead co-host — with four venues across three cities (Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Zanzibar), Tanzania hosts the most matches of any of the three nations
• Benjamin Mkapa is already CAF-accredited — the only venue in the tournament with confirmed CAF accreditation, which guarantees it a semi-final. A semi-final venue hosting the final is AFCON’s standard format
• Tanzania paid its hosting fees in full — demonstrating the financial commitment that typically earns prestige fixtures
• 60,000 capacity — the largest confirmed-ready venue in the tournament, appropriate for the final
• AFCON tradition — the lead host nation has hosted the final at every recent multi-venue AFCON

However CAF has not confirmed this. The announcement will come separately. This page will be updated immediately when CAF makes the official decision.

Why the AFCON 2027 Final Matters Beyond Football

Every AFCON has a final. The AFCON 2027 final carries historical weight that no previous final has carried in decades:

East Africa’s first AFCON final in 51 years. The last time this region hosted AFCON was Ethiopia in 1976. On 17 July 2027, regardless of which stadium hosts it, an entire generation of East African football fans will witness something they have waited their whole lives for.

The last biennial AFCON final ever. CAF announced in December 2025 that the tournament moves to a quadrennial format from 2028. The final whistle on 17 July 2027 ends not just a tournament — it ends a 70-year era of the Africa Cup of Nations as a biennial competition. The teams, players and fans inside that stadium will be part of football history.

The strongest player pool in AFCON history. For the first time in years, AFCON returns to a summer calendar aligned with Europe’s off-season. Victor Osimhen, Mohamed Salah, Achraf Hakimi, Riyad Mahrez, Sadio Mane — all available, all rested. The AFCON 2027 final will have the highest quality of players ever assembled for an AFCON finale.

Previous AFCON Finals — Historical Context

AFCON 2027 Final Tickets — How to Get Them

The final will be the single most in-demand ticket of the entire tournament. Based on AFCON 2025 demand, the final sells out in the Visa presale window — before general public sales open:

1. Register at tickets.cafonline.com now — mandatory before any purchase, even before sales open
2. Get a Visa card — gives 48-hour exclusive presale access before the general public
3. Buy in Phase 1 Visa presale — the final will sell out here
4. Official ticket sales expected August–October 2026

See our complete ticket buying guide and our ticket prices guide for expected costs in TZS, KES and UGX.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the AFCON 2027 final?

Saturday 17 July 2027.

Where will the AFCON 2027 final be held?

Not yet confirmed by CAF. The leading candidates are Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam (60,000), Talanta Stadium in Nairobi (60,000) and Mandela National Stadium in Kampala (45,000). CAF will announce the final venue separately.

Will Tanzania host the AFCON 2027 final?

Tanzania is the strongest candidate based on its status as lead co-host, Benjamin Mkapa’s CAF accreditation and the tournament’s structural logic — but this has not been confirmed by CAF.

What time does the AFCON 2027 final kick off?

Kick-off time has not been confirmed. Based on recent AFCON finals, expect 20:00 EAT (17:00 UTC / 18:00 CET).

Who are the favourites to reach the AFCON 2027 final?

See our complete predictions guide for the full tournament winner analysis.

For the complete AFCON 2027 fixture list see our fixtures guide. For all seven AFCON 2027 stadiums see our stadiums guide. For tickets see our tickets guide. For the tournament opening match see our opening match guide.

Final date confirmed by CAF official statement 2 May 2026, approved by FIFA Council in Vancouver. Final venue not yet officially confirmed by CAF as of July 2026. This page will be updated immediately when CAF makes the official announcement.

Algeria AFCON 2027 — Les Fennecs Guide to Qualifying, Tanzania and the Road to Glory

Algeria are two-time Africa Cup of Nations champions — 1990 and 2019 — and arrive at AFCON 2027 carrying both the weight of expectation and the burning motivation of a team that has twice gone out in the group stage since their 2019 triumph. Les Fennecs are drawn in Group I for the qualifiers alongside Zambia, Togo and Burundi. Qualifying begins September 2026. The tournament itself runs 19 June to 17 July 2027 in Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda. This is the complete guide.

Algeria AFCON 2027 Qualifying — Group I

Algeria were drawn in Group I of the AFCON 2027 qualifiers alongside Zambia, Togo and Burundi. The draw was conducted in Cairo on 19 May 2026. The top two teams from Group I qualify for AFCON 2027. Algeria are overwhelming favourites — but Zambia are competitive and have beaten Algeria in qualifying before.

Qualifying Fixtures — Full Schedule

Algeria’s full Group I fixture list as confirmed by CAF:

Exact match dates and kick-off times within each window will be confirmed by CAF closer to the start of the campaign. The qualifying campaign concludes in March 2027 — Algeria’s place at AFCON 2027 will be confirmed by then.

Algeria’s AFCON History — Champions Twice

Algeria are one of Africa’s most decorated national teams with a proud and complex AFCON history:

The pattern is stark. Algeria in 2019 were one of the tournament’s great teams — unbeaten, disciplined, tactically perfect. In 2021 and 2023 they failed to get out of the group. In 2025 they improved to the quarter-finals before losing to Nigeria. The trajectory is upward. By 2027, with the lessons of those exits absorbed, Les Fennecs are expected to go deep.

The 2019 Magic — Why It Still Matters

Algeria’s 2019 AFCON triumph in Egypt was one of the great tournament victories in African football history. They conceded only one goal in seven matches. In the semi-final against Nigeria, Riyad Mahrez scored a stunning last-minute free-kick to send Algeria through 2-1. In the final against Senegal, Baghdad Bounedjah scored inside the first 90 seconds — the fastest goal in an AFCON final — and Algeria held on 1-0. A nation of 44 million people erupted. Over 10,000 Algerian fans were in Cairo that night. For context: that was Algeria’s first title in 29 years.

AFCON 2027 is Algeria’s chance to win a third. They have not won it since 2019. For a team and a fanbase with that history, reaching Tanzania without a title will feel like failure regardless of how far they go.

Key Players for AFCON 2027

Algeria’s AFCON 2027 Tournament Draw

If Algeria qualify from Group I — which they are expected to do — they will play in the AFCON 2027 finals from 19 June to 17 July 2027. The finals group draw has not yet been made. Algeria’s opponents, group and match venues across Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda will be confirmed in early 2027.

What is confirmed: the finals will be played in six stadiums across three countries — Benjamin Mkapa Stadium (60,000) and Samia Suluhu Hassan Stadium (30,000) in Tanzania, Fumba City Stadium (36,500) and Amaan Stadium (15,000) in Zanzibar, Talanta Stadium (60,000) and Moi International Sports Centre (48,000) in Kenya, and Mandela National Stadium (45,000) in Uganda. See our complete stadiums guide.

For Algerian Fans Travelling to Tanzania

Algeria’s fan base is one of the largest and most passionate in African football. The scenes in Algiers after the 2019 triumph were among the most extraordinary in African sporting history. Algerian fans who travel to Tanzania for AFCON 2027 will find a country that is extraordinarily excited to host the continent — and a warm welcome awaits.

Getting from Algeria to Tanzania

No direct flight operates between Algeria and Tanzania. Ethiopian Airlines via Addis Ababa is generally the most direct and reliable option for North African travellers.

Visa Requirements

• Tanzania eVisa — required for Algerian passport holders. Apply at visa.immigration.go.tz — cost $50 USD, processing up to 10 working days. Apply at least 2 months before travel.
• Yellow fever certificate — Algeria is not a yellow fever endemic country so the mandatory yellow card requirement does not apply when entering from Algeria. Confirm this with your airline before travel as policies may be updated.

See our complete Tanzania eVisa guide for the step-by-step process.

Practical Tips for Algerian Fans

• Currency — Tanzania uses the Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). USD is accepted at hotels and larger restaurants. Withdraw TZS at Julius Nyerere International Airport on arrival. See our money guide.
• Language — Swahili is the national language. English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Arabic script will not be widely recognised — French is more useful as a backup language in tourism contexts.
• Climate — Dar es Salaam in June and July is hot and humid (28–32°C). Arusha is significantly cooler at altitude. Pack accordingly.
• Transport in Dar es Salaam — use Bolt or Uber exclusively. Download the app before arriving. Never walk at night in unfamiliar areas. See our safety guide.
• SIM card — buy a Vodacom Tanzania SIM at the airport on arrival. Your Algerian SIM will work on roaming but at significantly higher cost. See our SIM card guide.

Why AFCON 2027 Is Different for Algeria

Algeria won their second title in 2019 in Egypt — on the same continent, a relatively short journey from home. AFCON 2027 in East Africa is a different proposition entirely. Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda represent a new frontier for the Algerian travelling fanbase — longer flights, different culture, different climate, the first AFCON in sub-Saharan East Africa in 51 years.

But the draw of the tournament is enormous. AFCON 2027 is the last biennial AFCON — CAF announced in December 2025 that the tournament will become quadrennial from 2028. That means AFCON 2027 in Tanzania is the last chance for the likes of Mahrez, Bennacer and Mandi to win the continental title in the format they have known their entire careers. For the older generation of Algerian players, this tournament carries finality as well as ambition.

A third AFCON title — in East Africa, 51 years after the last one was held in this region, as the last ever biennial edition — would be one of the great achievements in Algerian football history.

For the complete AFCON 2027 qualifying schedule across all groups see our qualifying schedule guide. For the full tournament fixture list see our fixtures page. For all AFCON 2027 stadiums see our stadiums guide. For tickets see our tickets guide.

Group draw confirmed by CAF on 19 May 2026 in Cairo. Qualifying fixture schedule sourced from Flashscore.com CAF confirmation. Algeria squad information sourced from Goal.com, CAF official and Grokipedia. All qualifying results subject to change. Page will be updated as qualifying progresses.

Samia Suluhu Hassan Stadium — Complete Guide to Arusha’s AFCON 2027 Venue

Rising from the plains of northern Tanzania in the shadow of Mount Kilimanjaro, the Samia Suluhu Hassan Stadium is the most significant sports infrastructure project in Arusha’s history. A brand new 30,000-seat arena built from scratch for AFCON 2027 — named after Tanzania’s president, inspired by Tanzanite gemstones and designed to host football at the highest level. This is the complete guide to everything confirmed about the stadium.

Quick Facts

Construction Status — Where Things Stand

The Samia Suluhu Hassan Stadium has gone through rapid construction since breaking ground in April 2024. Here is the confirmed progression by date:

As of April 2026 the project is in its final construction phase. The structural skeleton is complete. The main canopy roof — described as a complex engineering feat — is finished. Work has shifted to seat installation, electrical and ICT systems, fire safety, internal finishing and access road upgrades. The facility is firmly on track for its July 2026 completion date, allowing for a full year of shakedown events and surface testing before the best footballers in Africa arrive on its doorstep.

The Parliamentary Committee on Education, Culture and Sports commended progress after a site visit — Committee Chairperson Husna Sekiboko confirmed the project was ahead of projected timelines. Deputy Minister Hamis Mwinjuma confirmed the stadium will have a seating capacity of 32,000 when complete — slightly higher than the originally announced 30,000.

The Design — Tanzanite and Kilimanjaro

The Samia Suluhu Hassan Stadium is not just a sports venue — it is an architectural statement. Every element of the design is rooted in Tanzania’s identity.

The Tanzanite inspiration: The stadium’s distinctive V-shaped silhouette and exterior geometry are inspired by Tanzanite gemstones — a rare blue-violet mineral found exclusively in the Arusha region and nowhere else on earth. The V-shaped canopy roof — now complete — creates the stadium’s defining visual identity when seen from outside.

The Kilimanjaro inspiration: The structural silhouette also draws from the peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro — Africa’s highest mountain, visible from Arusha on clear mornings. The stadium’s colours are drawn from the Tanzanian national flag.

The roofing system: A large-span steel framework with a cantilever structure covers all spectator seats — ensuring every one of the 30,000 fans has an unobstructed view of the pitch and protection from the elements.

General architectural style: The chief designer described it as “quite light and simple and perfectly integrating the local environment and the culture of Tanzania.” The design avoids the heavy concrete brutalism of older African stadiums in favour of a modern, open aesthetic that suits Arusha’s highland landscape.

The Location — Getting There

The stadium is located in Olomoti Ward on the outskirts of Arusha — strategically positioned near key arterial roads linking Arusha to the rest of Tanzania.

A dedicated 21.2km network of new tarmac roads is under construction connecting the stadium to Arusha city, including a major bridge along Essuri Road — valued at TZS 82.9 billion with a May 2027 completion deadline. A 17km bypass linking Kilimanjaro International Airport directly to the stadium is also under accelerated construction.

Match day advice: Use Bolt or hotel-arranged transport. Do not rely on finding transport outside the stadium after the final whistle — book your return before kick-off. Allow 90 minutes before the match to reach the stadium comfortably.

What the Stadium Will Offer

This is not simply a football ground. The Samia Suluhu Hassan Stadium is designed as a long-term civic and cultural hub for Arusha — a first for a city that previously had no international-standard sports venue.

• Football and rugby — primary purpose, built to CAF and FIFA standards
• Athletics — the stadium will accommodate international athletics events
• Cultural events — concerts, exhibitions and community gatherings
• Government ceremonies — one VIP section reserved for government officials, one for corporate guests
• Museum — a museum integrated into the facility
• Offices and event spaces — ensuring commercial activity beyond match days
• GrassMaster pitch — hybrid natural/synthetic surface widely used in top-tier European venues

Why This Stadium Was Built

Arusha had no international-standard football venue before this project. The city’s previous facilities were inadequate for hosting top-level CAF competition — a significant gap given Arusha’s profile as East Africa’s safari capital and one of Tanzania’s most internationally connected cities.

The stadium is named after President Samia Suluhu Hassan in recognition of her administration’s financial commitment to the project. As Deputy Minister Mwinjuma confirmed: “Without the President’s funding, no matter how skilled the contractor was, the work would not have progressed as it has.” Following the tradition of naming major Tanzanian national projects after leaders — Julius Nyerere International Airport being the most prominent example — the stadium honours President Hassan’s extensive support for Tanzania’s sports sector.

The economic case is equally significant. As a major addition to Arusha’s tourism landscape, the stadium is expected to attract international visitors for sports and cultural events year-round — not just during AFCON 2027. Arusha is the gateway to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro and Kilimanjaro. A world-class sports venue in this city creates a tourism product that does not currently exist anywhere else in East Africa.

The AFCON 2027 Context

Samia Suluhu Hassan Stadium will host AFCON 2027 group stage matches — part of Tanzania’s four-venue hosting plan alongside Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam (60,000), Fumba City Stadium in Zanzibar (36,500) and Amaan Stadium in Zanzibar City (15,000).

Of Tanzania’s four venues, Arusha’s is the most extraordinary in terms of setting. The Serengeti is 3 hours away. Ngorongoro Crater is 2 hours. Mount Kilimanjaro is visible from the road into the stadium on clear mornings. No previous AFCON has offered fans this combination — elite football in a stadium inspired by Tanzanite gemstones, surrounded by East Africa’s greatest wildlife destinations, at the peak of the Great Migration season.

AFCON 2027 runs 19 June to 17 July 2027. That window corresponds precisely with peak Great Migration season in the Serengeti. Fans attending a group stage match at the Samia Suluhu Hassan Stadium can extend their trip for a Serengeti safari the following morning. No previous AFCON has made this possible. See our Serengeti and AFCON 2027 guide for the full safari combination guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where exactly is the Samia Suluhu Hassan Stadium?

Olomoti Ward, Arusha, Tanzania. Approximately 8 to 12km from Arusha city centre and 50km from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).

What is the capacity of the Samia Suluhu Hassan Stadium?

30,000 seats (all-seater) — with updated figures suggesting up to 32,000 upon completion. All spectator seats are covered by the canopy roof.

When will the Samia Suluhu Hassan Stadium be completed?

Target completion: July 2026. As of April 2026 the stadium was 70 to 90% complete with the main canopy roof finished.

Who is building the Samia Suluhu Hassan Stadium?

China Railway Construction Engineering Group (CRCEG) is the general contractor. Dar Al-Handasah is providing design review and construction supervision services.

How much did the Samia Suluhu Hassan Stadium cost?

$112 million USD (TZS 286 billion) — funded by the Tanzanian government.

Who is the stadium named after?

President Samia Suluhu Hassan — Tanzania’s first female president and sixth president overall. The stadium honours her administration’s financial commitment to Tanzania’s sports infrastructure.

For the complete guide to attending AFCON 2027 matches in Arusha see our Arusha fan guide. For all seven AFCON 2027 stadiums see our complete stadiums guide. For tickets see our tickets guide. For the full fixture list see our fixtures page.

Construction data sourced from Construction Review Online (March 2026), Pulse Sports Kenya (April 2026), Mjengo Hub (February 2026), Daily News Tanzania, StadiumDB and Dar Al-Handasah official project page. Completion percentages as confirmed by official sources at respective dates. Stadium capacity figure of 32,000 confirmed by Tanzania’s Deputy Minister for Information, Culture, Arts and Sports, March 2025.

Where to Stay in Zanzibar for AFCON 2027 — Best Areas and Hotels for Fans

Zanzibar is hosting AFCON 2027 matches at two venues — the renovated Amaan Stadium in Stone Town and the new Fumba City Stadium 25km to the southwest. Where you stay shapes your entire experience. Stone Town puts you walking distance from Amaan Stadium, Forodhani Night Market and 400 years of UNESCO heritage. The north coast beaches at Nungwi give you Indian Ocean sunsets but require transport on match days. This guide covers every area, every budget and exactly which hotels to book before AFCON 2027 demand fills them.

The Two AFCON 2027 Venues — and What They Mean for Your Accommodation Choice

For fans attending matches at either venue, Stone Town is the best base. Amaan Stadium is walkable. Fumba is 30 to 45 minutes by Bolt — manageable and the better option given Stone Town’s food, culture and nightlife around match days.

Stone Town — Best for AFCON 2027 Fans

Stone Town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site — a labyrinthine tangle of winding alleyways lined with carved wooden doors, Omani palaces, mosques and centuries-old spice markets. Staying here puts you in the heart of the AFCON 2027 experience. Many venerable Swahili homes and palaces have been renovated into boutique hotels, filled with sumptuous fabrics, harlequin stained glass and antique furniture. Behind their heavily carved doors and intricate lattice shutters are soaring Omani arches and cool concealed courtyards.

Distance to Amaan Stadium: 10–15 minutes walking
Distance to Fumba City Stadium: 30–45 minutes by Bolt
Best for: First-time Zanzibar visitors, fans who want culture, Forodhani Night Market on their doorstep

Verified Hotels in Stone Town

Park Hyatt Zanzibar ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ — Stone Town’s finest international hotel. Beachfront location with stunning Indian Ocean views, multiple pools including an infinity pool, and Moorish-inspired architecture. Guests praise the awesome location and ocean view from balconies, with live music adding to a pleasant atmosphere. Rates from $200+ per night.

Tembo House Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — located in the heart of Stone Town on the scenic seafront, within walking distance of the House of Wonders, the Old Fort and the Palace Museum. 5 minutes from Zanzibar port and 8km from the airport. Guests consistently praise the excellent seafront breakfast, convenient Stone Town location and accommodating staff. From $73 per night.

DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Zanzibar ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — international brand standard in Stone Town. Features 3 outdoor pools, an indoor pool and a restaurant. Guests note the property is very nice and well kept with great staff. From $120 per night.

Dhow Palace Hotel ⭐⭐⭐ — a very good-value, mid-range hotel full of Swahili character in the heart of Stone Town. The pool makes it appealing for longer stays. Serves as a meeting place for people and cultures from all over the world amid decor and artefacts from a bygone era. From $80 per night.

Emerson Spice ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — a beautiful small boutique hotel in the heart of Stone Town with individually designed rooms adorned with gorgeous fabrics. One of Stone Town’s most atmospheric and highly regarded boutique stays. From $150 per night.

Zanzibar Coffee House ⭐⭐⭐ — a small quiet hotel tucked away in the back streets of Stone Town with lovely simple rooms. Features a coffee shop and rooftop terrace overlooking Stone Town. Guests describe it as one of the best hotels they have ever stayed in. From $25 per night — outstanding value.

Zanzibar Palace Hotel ⭐⭐⭐⭐ — a highly regarded boutique hotel with very personal service and just nine rooms, all of them Zanzibari in style. Small enough to feel like a private house, large enough to have proper facilities. From $100 per night.

Stone Town Budget Options

Stone Town has genuinely good budget accommodation — guesthouses in converted historic buildings from $19 to $40 per night. The Island Stone Town, Seafarers Loft and African Angel House B&B all come well reviewed by recent travellers. At this price point you are sleeping inside a 200-year-old building in a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hard to beat.

Hotel Price Guide — Stone Town

Nungwi — For Beach Lovers

Nungwi is Zanzibar’s most popular beach destination — a village on the northern tip of the island with long white beaches, warm calm water, lively beach bars and some of the island’s best accommodation. It is a genuinely different experience from Stone Town — more resort, less culture.

Distance to Amaan Stadium: ~45–60 minutes by road
Distance to Fumba City Stadium: ~75–90 minutes by road
Best for: Fans combining AFCON with a beach holiday, those who want resort facilities and do not mind commuting to matches

If attending matches from Nungwi, book transport well in advance on match days. The road from Nungwi to Stone Town carries significant traffic — allow 90 minutes rather than the standard 45 on AFCON match days.

Kendwa — For Sunsets and Calm

Just south of Nungwi, Kendwa is quieter and more relaxed with some of the best sunsets on the island. Famous for its full moon beach parties. If your AFCON 2027 match schedule aligns with a full moon — Kendwa is unmissable. Similar transport times to matches as Nungwi.

East Coast — Paje and Jambiani

The wild east coast offers long remote beaches, world-class kitesurfing and a more local Zanzibar experience. Beautiful and genuinely different from the tourist north coast. However the journey to either stadium is 60 to 90 minutes each way — best suited to fans with only one match in Zanzibar who want to combine it with serious beach time.

Which Area Should You Choose?

Getting to Zanzibar

Two options from Dar es Salaam:

Match Day Tips for Zanzibar

• Amaan Stadium (Stone Town fans) — walk from your hotel. Allow 15 to 20 minutes through the Stone Town alleys. This is one of the great match day walks in world football.
• Fumba Stadium (any base) — book Bolt or private taxi well in advance. Book your return before the final whistle — do not try to find transport after 60,000 fans exit simultaneously.
• ATMs — Zanzibar’s ATMs can run short during peak periods. Withdraw cash in Dar es Salaam before crossing if possible. NBC and CRDB in Stone Town are the most reliable.
• Yellow fever certificate — carry it when travelling to Zanzibar if you entered Tanzania from an endemic country. See our health guide.

When to Book

For normal Zanzibar travel — a few weeks ahead is fine. For AFCON 2027 — book now. Stone Town boutique hotels at good rates will be gone months before the tournament. The Park Hyatt, DoubleTree and Tembo House will all fill up for the AFCON match dates specifically. Book match nights first, then fill in the surrounding days.

For the complete Zanzibar AFCON 2027 guide visit our Zanzibar fan guide. For stadium details see our stadiums guide. For getting to Zanzibar from Dar es Salaam see our transport guide. For tickets see our tickets guide.

Hotel information sourced from TripAdvisor, Booking.com, Expedia, Expert Africa and Adventure Life, verified June–July 2026. AFCON tournament period prices will be significantly higher than standard rates shown. Book as early as possible.

What to Eat in Tanzania for AFCON 2027 — Food Guide Near Every Venue

Tanzania’s food scene is one of the great surprises of AFCON 2027. Fans who arrive expecting typical stadium food will find something entirely different — a coastal cuisine shaped by centuries of Arab, Indian, Swahili and African influences, where spiced rice dishes sit alongside fresh Indian Ocean seafood, grilled meat skewers cost less than a dollar and the best food is usually found at a street stall, not a restaurant. This guide covers what to eat near every AFCON 2027 venue, what things cost in TZS and what to try before you leave.

The Essential Dishes — Know These Before You Arrive

Nyama Choma — The National Dish

Grilled meat, usually goat or beef, marinated in herbs and spices and cooked over an open flame. Nyama choma is a widely famous food from Tanzania, also particularly enjoyed by Kenya’s Maasai tribe — these days it is easy to find throughout the country, including at street food hubs like the Kwa Morombo Market in Arusha. Order it by the kilo, eat it with your hands and pair it with ugali (maize porridge) or chapati. This is the dish you eat at 10pm with a cold Kilimanjaro beer after the match.

Cost: 8,000–20,000 TZS per portion ($2.50–6.50 USD)

Mishkaki — The Match Day Snack

Marinated meat skewers grilled over open flame — East Africa’s answer to a kebab. Dar es Salaam is the go-to place for quality mishkaki, often credited as the home of these mouthwatering skewers. Find them from street vendors outside every stadium before and after matches. Eat them walking, dipped in tamarind sauce.

Cost: 1,500–3,000 TZS per skewer ($0.50–1 USD)

Pilau — The Spiced Rice Dish

Tanzanian pilau stands out with its aromatic blend of spices like cardamom and cinnamon — this delightful rice casserole often features tender pieces of beef or goat, though vegetarian versions with potatoes are equally satisfying. Well priced at just 3,500 TZS. The perfect lunch between morning sightseeing and an afternoon match.

Cost: 3,000–7,000 TZS ($1–2.30 USD)

Chipsi Mayai — The Comfort Food

Chips mayai, a beloved Tanzanian street food, is a staple in various regions — this flavorful dish combines deep-fried chips with beaten egg, resulting in a delightful and satisfying option. Think of it as a Tanzanian omelette-chip hybrid. Dar es Salaam is said to be the birthplace of chipsi mayai.

Cost: 3,000–6,000 TZS ($1–2 USD)

Urojo — The Zanzibar Mix

Urojo is a tangy soup with potatoes, chickpeas, and tamarind sauce — a Dar es Salaam institution that costs less than $2. A full meal in a bowl. Hearty, spiced and unlike anything most visiting fans will have tried before.

Cost: 3,000–5,000 TZS ($1–1.60 USD)

Chapati — The Flatbread

Soft, flaky flatbread cooked on a griddle — a legacy of Indian influence on the Swahili coast. Eaten with curry, stew, beans or on its own. Available everywhere, all day. The cheapest reliable food option for budget fans.

Cost: 500–1,500 TZS per piece ($0.17–0.50 USD)

Maandazi — Breakfast and Snack

A slightly sweet fried dough — Tanzania’s version of a doughnut, eaten with chai tea in the morning. The markets of Stone Town in Zanzibar and Dar es Salaam are some of the top spots to sample this revered snack. A mandazi and a cup of spiced chai is the cheapest and most satisfying breakfast in Tanzania.

Cost: 200–500 TZS each ($0.07–0.17 USD)

Dar es Salaam — Food Near Benjamin Mkapa Stadium and the Fan Zones

Slipway Area — Msasani (Fan Zone Hub)

The Slipway has become an iconic stop for anyone looking to enjoy the softer side of city life — a coastal haven of cafes, curio shops, restaurants, and shaded walkways overlooking the sea, ideal for both tourists and locals. The Slipway Food Park fan zone will be the main AFCON 2027 food and entertainment hub in Dar es Salaam. Here is what to eat:

• Mamboz Corner BBQ / Mamboz Masaki — a popular restaurant offering delicious local dishes like grilled meats, various fish preparations, and biriyani, with affordable options ranging from 15,000 to 20,000 TZS. The juicy mishkaki, smoky BBQ chicken and perfectly spiced chips masala are all worth ordering. Three branches across the city — the Masaki branch is closest to the fan zone.
• Terrace Restaurant and Veranda Tapas Bar at the Slipway — excellent coffee, smoothies, pastries and full breakfast or brunch menus with a sea breeze as your dining companion.
• Fresh seafood stalls at Coco Beach — grilled octopus and fish at Coco Beach in the late afternoon offers the best value for fresh seafood — expect to pay $5–10 USD for a generous plate.

Kariakoo Market — Budget Eating

Kariakoo Market is the city’s largest street food hub, especially lively in early mornings and evenings. Not the safest area to walk around alone at night — go during the day, keep your phone in your pocket and go with a local if possible. But the food is exceptional and the prices are the lowest in the city.

• Urojo soup: 2,000–4,000 TZS
• Pilau: 3,000–5,000 TZS
• Chipsi mayai: 3,000–5,000 TZS
• Kachori: 500–1,000 TZS each

Near Benjamin Mkapa Stadium — Temeke

The stadium itself is in a local residential area, not a tourist zone. The food around it is genuine street food — mishkaki vendors, roasted corn, grilled cassava, chapati sellers and mandazi stalls. All cheap, all good, all cash TZS only.

Do not linger in the Temeke area after dark. Eat before you arrive at the stadium or eat inside the fan zones before departure. Use Bolt to get back to your hotel after the match — do not walk.

Food Price Guide — Dar es Salaam

Zanzibar — Food Near the Stadiums

Forodhani Night Market — Stone Town

The single best food experience available anywhere in AFCON 2027 — arguably the best night market in East Africa. Every evening at sunset the Stone Town waterfront comes alive with dozens of vendors cooking in front of you.

• Zanzibar pizza — not Italian pizza. A thin crepe-like dough folded around egg, meat, vegetables and cheese on a flat griddle. The most unique food in the tournament.
• Grilled octopus — fresh from the Indian Ocean, grilled over charcoal, served with lime and chilli sauce.
• Urojo / Zanzibar mix — a blend of fried snacks including samosas, bhajias (spiced potato fritters), cassava chips and lentil fritters.
• Fresh sugarcane juice — pressed on the spot, 500–1,000 TZS.
• Coconut water — straight from the coconut, 1,000–2,000 TZS.

Cost at Forodhani: A full dinner eating everything you want costs 10,000–20,000 TZS ($3–6.50 USD). One of the great cheap eating experiences in Africa.

Near Amaan Stadium — Stone Town

Amaan Stadium is walkable from Stone Town — and the streets between them are lined with local food options. Eat before the match or after — the narrow alleys of Stone Town are worth exploring on foot when you have time. Look for:

• Mishkaki vendors outside the market entrances
• Zanzibar coffee — Arabic-style spiced coffee, 500–1,000 TZS a cup
• Fresh fruit stalls — mango, papaya, passionfruit

Near Fumba Stadium

Fumba is 25km southwest of Stone Town — a new development area with limited established food infrastructure around the stadium itself. The practical approach: eat a full meal in Stone Town before taking transport to Fumba, and plan your return route through Stone Town for the Forodhani Night Market after the match.

Arusha — Food Near Samia Suluhu Hassan Stadium

Chapati and pilau rice showcase the city’s Indian roots, while fish-based dishes nod to the coastal Swahili traditions. Arusha has a vibrant food scene centred on Haile Selassie Road and the surrounding streets — the main tourist area and the best base for fans attending matches at the Samia Suluhu Hassan Stadium.

Food Safety — What to Know

• High-turnover stalls are safest — locally favoured stalls with high customer turnover are generally safe. If a vendor is busy, the food is fresh. If they are empty, move on.
• Cooked food only — nyama choma, mishkaki, chipsi mayai and pilau are all cooked at high temperatures. Avoid raw salads and unpeeled fruit from unknown vendors.
• Never drink tap water — buy sealed bottled water only. At fan zones and stalls accept only sealed bottles.
• Ice in drinks — be cautious with ice at local venues, which may be made from tap water. At tourist venues and hotel bars ice is generally safe.

See our complete health guide for full food and water safety advice including what to pack in your medical kit.

The Drinks

For the complete AFCON 2027 Tanzania budget guide including food, accommodation and transport visit our cost guide. For health and food safety advice see our health guide. For money, ATMs and currency see our money guide.

Food prices sourced from verified travel guides including Airconnect, BornWild, Traford Safaris, EasyTravel.co.tz and CuisineVoila, updated 2025–2026. Prices fluctuate — treat TZS amounts as reliable estimates rather than fixed prices.

Nigerian Fans Guide to AFCON 2027 in Tanzania — Super Eagles, Travel, Tickets and Dar es Salaam

Nigeria’s Super Eagles are in Group L for AFCON 2027 alongside Tanzania, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar. For Nigerian fans planning the trip to Dar es Salaam — this is everything you need to know. From flights out of Lagos to visas, accommodation near Benjamin Mkapa Stadium, the Super Eagles’ history in Tanzania and why this qualifying campaign is trickier than it looks on paper.

Super Eagles Qualifying Fixtures — Group L

Nigeria’s Group L qualifying campaign has been confirmed by CAF. The Super Eagles will open their campaign to qualify for the 2027 AFCON at home against Madagascar on September 23 at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium in Uyo. They will then fly out to Guinea-Bissau four days later before completing the first half of the qualifiers with a home game against AFCON co-hosts Tanzania on November 11.

The Tanzania away leg — Super Eagles playing at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam — is the match Nigerian fans in Tanzania will be most focused on. This is the fixture that matters to both sets of supporters.

Why Group L Is Trickier Than It Looks

Although a look at the group suggests it might be a straightforward campaign given the Super Eagles’ superior quality and pedigree, the reality on the ground might not be so simple. Because Tanzania’s spot is already secure, the margin for error for the remaining three teams is extremely slim. Every team will treat their matches against Nigeria as a cup final, knowing that taking points off the giants is the only way to squeeze through.

NFF Technical Director Austin Eguavoen warned that the Super Eagles must not relax. “I remember Guinea-Bissau gave us a run for our money. They are not a bad side at all.” He also noted that Madagascar remain capable of a major upset — the island nation produced one of the biggest shocks in AFCON history when they defeated Nigeria 2-0 during the 2019 tournament in Egypt.

Nigeria vs Tanzania — The History

The two nations have met competitively on multiple occasions:

Tanzania’s strongest asset is home advantage in Dar es Salaam, where crowd support and environmental conditions often make them difficult to break down. They are also becoming more tactically structured, with improved defensive organisation and transition play.

A sold-out Benjamin Mkapa Stadium with 60,000 Tanzanian fans is a different proposition from a neutral venue in Morocco. Nigerian fans who travel to Dar es Salaam for the qualifier will be in the minority — but that atmosphere is exactly what makes this match worth attending in person.

AFCON 2027 Tournament — Nigeria’s Group Stage Matches

In the AFCON 2027 tournament itself, Tanzania are in Group L alongside Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar. All Tanzania home matches are played at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam.

Tanzania vs Nigeria on 24 June 2027 is the match. 60,000 home fans. Three-time AFCON champions against the tournament’s most passionate host nation. This is the most anticipated group stage fixture in the entire tournament. Nigerian fans planning to attend need to act immediately when tickets go on sale — this match will sell out in Phase 1 of the Visa presale window.

Getting from Nigeria to Tanzania

By Air — Lagos (LOS) to Dar es Salaam (DAR)

No fully direct non-stop service operates between Lagos and Dar es Salaam as of 2026. All routes require at least one connection.

Best option for Nigerian fans: Kenya Airways via Nairobi — the most reliable daily service with the best price-to-convenience ratio. Book at least 6 months before the tournament. Tournament-period fares will be significantly higher than current rates. See our complete flights guide.

Nigeria Visa Requirements for Tanzania

Nigerian passport holders require a Tanzania eVisa. Here is exactly what you need:

• Visa type: Tanzania eVisa — Ordinary Single Entry
• Cost: $50 USD (150,000 TZS / 6,450 KES)
• Apply at: visa.immigration.go.tz
• Processing time: up to 10 working days — apply at least 2 months before travel
• Yellow fever certificate: MANDATORY — Nigeria is a yellow fever endemic country. Tanzania immigration will check it on arrival. Do not board your flight without your Yellow Card.

See our complete Tanzania eVisa guide for the full step-by-step application process.

Where to Stay in Dar es Salaam

Benjamin Mkapa Stadium is in Temeke District — approximately 15km from the Msasani and Masaki hotel areas where most international visitors stay. You will need Bolt or Uber on match days — allow 30 to 50 minutes.

Book as early as possible. Accommodation in Dar es Salaam during AFCON 2027 will be significantly more expensive and limited than normal rates. See our complete accommodation guide.

Tickets — How Nigerian Fans Can Get Them

Tanzania vs Nigeria on 24 June 2027 is the most in-demand ticket in the tournament. Here is how to maximise your chances:

1. Register at tickets.cafonline.com now — mandatory before any purchase
2. Get a Visa card — gives you exclusive 48-hour presale access before the general public
3. Buy in Phase 1 Visa presale — Tanzania vs Nigeria will sell out here
4. Official sales expected August–October 2026

See our complete ticket buying guide and our ticket prices guide for costs in NGN equivalent.

Practical Tips for Nigerian Fans in Tanzania

• Currency: Use Tanzanian Shillings (TZS) for daily spending — ATMs at Julius Nyerere Airport dispense TZS. USD is also accepted at hotels and larger restaurants. See our money guide.
• SIM card: Buy a Vodacom or Yas SIM at the airport on arrival — 10GB for approximately 13,000–21,000 TZS. Nigerian MTN and Airtel SIMs work on roaming but cost significantly more. See our SIM card guide.
• Transport: Download Bolt before you arrive and set up payment.
• Safety: Dar es Salaam is generally safe for tourists in the Msasani, Masaki and Oyster Bay areas. Temeke — where the stadium is — requires caution. Use Bolt directly to and from the stadium gate. See our safety guide.
• Weather: Dar es Salaam in June and July is hot and humid — temperatures around 28–32°C. Bring water to matches and apply sunscreen for afternoon kick-offs.
• Language: Swahili is the local language. English is widely spoken in tourist areas. A few Swahili phrases go a long way — see our Swahili phrases guide.

What Nigerian Fans Can Expect in Dar es Salaam

Tanzania will welcome Nigerian fans warmly — this is a country hosting its first major international football tournament and the hospitality will reflect that. The rivalry on the pitch does not extend off it. Nigerian fans who have attended previous AFCONs in North Africa will find Dar es Salaam a different experience — coastal, warm, more relaxed, with the Indian Ocean rather than the Mediterranean as the backdrop.

The Nigerian fan base is one of the largest and most vocal travelling supports in African football. At Benjamin Mkapa Stadium on 24 June 2027, wherever Nigerian fans are seated, they will be heard. That atmosphere — 60,000 Tanzanian fans versus one of Africa’s most passionate away supports — is going to be one of the defining images of AFCON 2027.

For the full AFCON 2027 Tanzania fan guide visit our practical info page. For the complete fixture list visit our fixtures page. For the complete Group L breakdown including Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar visit our Group L guide.

Qualifying fixture dates sourced from allAfrica.com and CAF official announcements, May 2026. Head-to-head records sourced from multiple verified Nigerian football publications. All travel costs and logistics information current as of July 2026.

AFCON 2027 Teams — All 24 Nations, Groups and Key Players

AFCON 2027 will feature 24 nations competing across Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda from 19 June to 17 July 2027. Three teams — Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda — qualify automatically as co-hosts. The remaining 21 spots are decided through the qualifying campaign running from September 2026 to March 2027. This is the complete guide to every group, every nation and the key players to watch at PAMOJA 2027.

How the 24 Teams Are Decided

A total of 48 national teams were divided into 12 groups of four. The top two teams from each group qualify for the 24-team tournament, except in Groups D, H and L which include the three co-host nations. In those groups, only the highest-placed team apart from the hosts will secure qualification, as Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda automatically qualify for the finals.

The qualifying campaign runs across three FIFA international windows:

The full list of 24 qualified teams will be confirmed by the end of March 2027. The three hosts are the only teams guaranteed their places right now.

The 12 Qualifying Groups — Full Draw

The Three Confirmed Teams — Co-Hosts

🇹🇿 Tanzania — Taifa Stars

Tanzania are the lead host and the nation with the most emotional investment in AFCON 2027. Placed in Group L alongside Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar for the qualifying campaign — though their place at the tournament is already guaranteed. All Tanzania home matches will be played at Benjamin Mkapa Stadium in Dar es Salaam. Coach Miguel Ángel Gamondi had his contract extended in February 2026 and is using the qualifying campaign as preparation for the tournament itself. Key player: Simon Msuva, whose goal qualified Tanzania for AFCON 2025. See our complete Group L guide and Taifa Stars guide.

🇰🇪 Kenya — Harambee Stars

Kenya co-host alongside Tanzania and Uganda, with matches played at the brand new Talanta Stadium (60,000) and Moi International Sports Centre Kasarani (48,000) in Nairobi. Drawn in Group D alongside South Africa, Guinea and Eritrea for qualifying. Kenya coach Benni McCarthy will come up against South Africa, for whom he still holds the international goal-scoring record with 31. Kenya qualify automatically regardless of their qualifying results.

🇺🇬 Uganda — The Cranes

Uganda host matches at Mandela National Stadium in Kampala. Drawn in Group H alongside Tunisia, Libya and Botswana for qualifying. Uganda also qualify automatically as co-hosts regardless of their qualifying campaign results.

Group by Group — Who Is Likely to Qualify

Group A — Morocco’s Group

Defending champions Morocco were drawn in Group A alongside Gabon, Niger and Lesotho. Morocco are overwhelming favourites to top this group. Gabon are the realistic second-place finishers. Morocco arrive at AFCON 2027 as defending champions after winning the 2025 title on home soil.

Expected qualifiers: Morocco, Gabon

Group B — Egypt’s Path

Egypt have two trips to Southern Africa as they face Angola, Malawi and South Sudan. Egypt are heavy favourites to top the group. Angola are competitive and have reached recent AFCONs. South Sudan are the weakest team in this group.

Expected qualifiers: Egypt, Angola

Group C — The West Africa Blockbuster

Defending champions Ivory Coast were placed in Group C alongside Ghana, Gambia and Somalia. This is the most evenly matched group in the entire draw between the two powerhouses. Ivory Coast are the 2023 AFCON champions. Ghana have underperformed at recent tournaments but remain dangerous. Somalia are unlikely to trouble the top two.

Expected qualifiers: Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana — though this is not guaranteed.

Group D — Kenya’s Home Campaign

South Africa, Guinea and Eritrea compete for the one available spot alongside automatic qualifier Kenya. South Africa are the clear favourites. Guinea and Eritrea are the other two teams in Group D.

Expected qualifier (non-host): South Africa

Group E — DR Congo’s Route

DR Congo face Equatorial Guinea, Sierra Leone and Zimbabwe. The Leopards are by far the strongest team and should qualify comfortably. Equatorial Guinea have caused upsets before and will compete for second.

Expected qualifiers: DR Congo, Equatorial Guinea

Group F — Burkina Faso Lead

Burkina Faso, Benin, Mauritania and Central African Republic. Burkina Faso are recent AFCON semi-finalists and should top the group. Mauritania are improving rapidly and will push for second. Benin are competitive.

Expected qualifiers: Burkina Faso, Mauritania

Group G — Cameroon’s Challenge

Cameroon face Comoros, Namibia and Congo. The five-time AFCON champions should qualify, but Comoros have caused upsets at recent tournaments — they reached the Round of 16 at AFCON 2021 in their debut appearance.

Expected qualifiers: Cameroon, Comoros or Namibia

Group H — Uganda’s Home Advantage

Tunisia, Libya and Botswana compete for the one available spot alongside automatic qualifier Uganda. Tunisia are strong favourites. Libya are improving. Botswana are unlikely to trouble the top two.

Expected qualifier (non-host): Tunisia

Group I — Algeria’s Return

Algeria face Zambia, Togo and Burundi. After back-to-back group stage exits at AFCON 2021 and 2023, Algeria are under pressure to rediscover their 2019 form. They should top this group comfortably. Zambia are the most likely second-place finishers.

Expected qualifiers: Algeria, Zambia

Group J — Senegal’s Procession

Senegal face Mozambique, Sudan and Ethiopia. The 2022 AFCON champions should qualify without difficulty. Mozambique, Sudan and Ethiopia will compete for second place.

Expected qualifiers: Senegal, Mozambique

Group K — Mali’s Group

Mali face Cape Verde, Rwanda and Liberia. Mali are the strongest team and should top the group. Cape Verde are dangerous — they consistently punch above their weight in CAF competition. Rwanda are improving rapidly.

Expected qualifiers: Mali, Cape Verde

Group L — Tanzania and Nigeria

Nigeria, Guinea-Bissau and Madagascar compete for the one available spot alongside automatic qualifier Tanzania. Nigeria are the clear favourites with their squad of European-based talent. Guinea-Bissau have beaten Nigeria in a qualifier before and cannot be dismissed. Madagascar are the 2019 AFCON quarter-finalists who shocked the continent on their debut.

Expected qualifier (non-host): Nigeria — but watch Guinea-Bissau. See our complete Group L guide.

Key Players to Watch at AFCON 2027

Dark Horses — Teams That Could Surprise

Cape Verde 🇨🇻 — consistently outperform their FIFA ranking at AFCON. Small island nation with a remarkably professional squad of Portuguese-based players.

Comoros 🇰🇲 — shocked everyone by reaching the Round of 16 at their AFCON 2021 debut despite having only 10 men for most of a knockout game. The surprise package potential of AFCON 2027.

Guinea-Bissau 🇬🇼 — disciplined, hard to beat and capable of upsetting Nigeria in Group L qualifying. Have beaten Nigeria in a qualifier before.

Mali 🇲🇱 — consistent semi-finalists who have never quite converted their talent into a title run. By 2027 their golden generation will be at peak age.

Expected 24 Teams at AFCON 2027

Based on qualifying group analysis, these are the most likely 24 participants when qualifying concludes in March 2027:

✅ = already qualified as co-host. All other qualifications subject to campaign results. Predictions only — qualifying runs September 2026 to March 2027.

For the complete tournament schedule see our fixtures guide. For ticket information see our tickets guide. For Tanzania’s Group L specifically see our Group L guide. For our tournament winner prediction see our predictions article.

Group draw confirmed by CAF on 19 May 2026 in Cairo, Egypt. Qualifying begins 21 September 2026. Full 24-team list confirmed by end of March 2027. This page will be updated as teams qualify.

Nairobi to Tanzania for AFCON 2027 — The Complete Two-Way Travel Guide

AFCON 2027 is split across three nations, and for many fans that means crossing between Kenya and Tanzania at some point in their trip — whether you are flying into Nairobi before continuing to Dar es Salaam, or based in Tanzania and travelling up to Nairobi for a Talanta Stadium match. This guide covers the route in both directions: Tanzania to Nairobi, and Nairobi to Tanzania.

The Route at a Glance

The two cities are roughly 820km apart by road, connected by the Namanga border crossing — the main and most reliable route between Tanzania and Kenya, running along the Arusha–Nairobi highway.

Dar es Salaam to Nairobi

By Flight

The fastest option. Direct flights between Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO) take approximately 1 to 1.5 hours, with several daily departures on Kenya Airways, Air Tanzania and Precision Air.

By Bus

The budget option, and the one most fans planning to also see Arusha or the Tanzania-Kenya border region will consider. Direct buses depart from Dar es Salaam’s Ubungo bus terminal, typically once daily, with the journey taking 14 to 19 hours depending on the operator and border delays.

Tip from experienced overland travellers: consider splitting the journey by stopping overnight in Arusha or Moshi rather than doing the full 15+ hour bus ride in one go. This also lets you combine your Nairobi trip with Arusha’s AFCON 2027 matches or a Serengeti safari extension along the same route.

Nairobi to Dar es Salaam

The reverse journey works the same way, with departures from Nairobi’s bus station rather than Ubungo.

If your AFCON 2027 itinerary starts in Nairobi and you are heading to Zanzibar rather than mainland Dar es Salaam, check flights from Nairobi Wilson Airport direct to Abeid Amani Karume International Airport (ZNZ) — this can save you a full transfer through Dar es Salaam.

The Namanga Border Crossing

Namanga is the busiest and most used crossing between Kenya and Tanzania, sitting directly on the Nairobi–Arusha highway. It is the crossing every Dar es Salaam–Nairobi bus route uses.

• Process — disembark from your bus, walk through immigration on the Tanzanian side, then again on the Kenyan side, before re-boarding
• Typical time at the border — 45 minutes to a few hours depending on queues and how many buses arrive at once
• Visa on arrival — both Kenya eTA and Tanzania visa requirements should ideally be sorted before you travel, not at the border. See our Tanzania eVisa guide for the Tanzania side.
• Yellow fever certificate — required at all Tanzania entry points if arriving from an endemic country, which includes Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and DRC. If you are crossing from any of these, carry your yellow card. See our health guide.
• Best time to cross — early departures from either city generally mean reaching the border before the busiest midday queues

Which Way Should You Travel?

If You’re Stopping in Nairobi Along the Way

Whichever direction you are travelling, a stop in Nairobi is worth more than just a transit point if your schedule allows. Kenya’s Talanta Stadium (60,000 capacity) is hosting AFCON 2027 group stage and knockout matches, located in the Jamhuri Grounds area roughly 30 to 40 minutes from Jomo Kenyatta International Airport. As of mid-2026 the stadium is in its final construction phase, targeting completion by the end of July 2026.

If staying overnight, Westlands is the most convenient area — close to the airport, safe, and well served by restaurants. Hotels like Hyatt Place Nairobi Westlands, JW Marriott Nairobi and Villa Rosa Kempinski cover a range of budgets.

If you have a few free hours, Nairobi National Park — the only national park located inside a capital city — is a genuine half-day safari option between flights or buses.

Practical Notes for Crossing Between Kenya and Tanzania

• Currency — Kenyan Shilling (KES) and Tanzanian Shilling (TZS) are different currencies. Exchange or withdraw locally on each side rather than carrying leftover cash across.
• SIM cards — a Kenyan Safaricom line will not work in Tanzania and vice versa. Buy a local SIM on each side — see our Tanzania SIM card guide.
• Time zone — both countries are East Africa Time (EAT, UTC+3), so no adjustment needed.
• Visas are separate — your Kenya entry requirement and Tanzania eVisa are two independent applications. Sort both before you travel.

For the complete guide to attending AFCON 2027 in Tanzania — tickets, accommodation and match day tips — visit our practical info page. For Tanzania’s match schedule visit our fixtures page. For all AFCON 2027 stadiums across the three host nations visit our stadiums guide. For flights into Tanzania from further afield visit our flights guide.

Travel times, costs and route information sourced from Bookaway, Rome2Rio, Holidify and verified overland travel guides as of 2026. Prices fluctuate by season and operator — confirm current fares before booking. Stadium information sourced from Pulse Sports Kenya and Daily Nation as of May 2026.