AFCON 2027 Stadium Guide: Every Venue You Need to Know

Twenty-four teams, three countries, multiple stadiums. Here's a complete guide to every AFCON 2027 venue and how to navigate them.

---

Kenya venues

Kasarani Stadium — Nairobi

Capacity: ~60,000 | Location: Kasarani, 15km from CBD

The flagship venue. Kasarani was built for the 1987 All-Africa Games and has hosted major international tournaments since. CAF is expected to select it for high-profile group stage fixtures and potentially knockout rounds.

Getting there: Matatu routes 23 and 111 run directly. Uber and Bolt from the CBD take 25–35 minutes depending on traffic. Driving is possible but stadium parking is limited for big matches.

What to expect inside: Modern facilities with covered main stands. The running track creates some distance between fans and the pitch — factor this into ticket category choices. Catering is available inside but expensive by local standards.

Nyayo National Stadium — Nairobi

Capacity: ~30,000 | Location: Langata Road, 8km from CBD

Nyayo has the most history and the most atmosphere. It sits in the heart of the city and its smaller size means sightlines are generally better than Kasarani. Expect group stage matches here.

Getting there: Very accessible by matatu along Langata Road. 15 minutes from the CBD by car in off-peak hours.

---

Tanzania venues

Benjamin Mkapa Stadium — Dar es Salaam

Capacity: ~60,000 | Location: Chang'ombe, southern Dar

Tanzania's largest stadium, fully renovated and named after former president Benjamin Mkapa. Modern facilities, good sightlines, and a significant upgrade on older East African venues.

Getting there: Dala dala from the city centre or Bolt/Uber from Masaki and Oyster Bay (20–30 minutes). Traffic in Dar can be severe — allow an extra 45 minutes for match days.

Mwalimu Julius K. Nyerere Stadium — Dar es Salaam

Capacity: ~50,000 | Location: Kisarawe area

Tanzania's second major venue, redeveloped in recent years. Excellent sightlines and a covered main stand. Likely to host group stage fixtures.

---

Uganda venues

Mandela National Stadium (Namboole) — Kampala

Capacity: ~45,000 | Location: Namboole, 12km from CBD

Uganda's national stadium sits on a hill with dramatic views over the city. The approach road gets very congested on match days — plan to arrive early. The atmosphere inside for big matches is excellent.

Getting there: Boda boda is fastest for match day (agree the price before departure). Taxis and Bolt also available. Public transport via taxi park and then connecting to Namboole road.

---

Stadium tips that apply everywhere

Arrive early. CAF security checks create queues. For big matches, arrive 90 minutes before kick-off. For group stage matches, 45–60 minutes is usually fine.

Check your ticket category. Higher numbered categories often mean the running track is between you and the pitch. Categories 1 and 2 typically mean covered stands closer to the action.

Bring cash. Not every food or merchandise vendor inside will have card payment. Local currency is almost always preferred.

Keep your ticket accessible. Phone-based tickets are common but bring a screenshot backup in case of connectivity issues inside the stadium.

The toilets. Queues at half-time are significant. Go before the match or during the first 10 minutes of the second half when the rush dies down.