'Here We Go’: Fabrizio Romano Sets His Sights on East Africa’s AFCON 2027 Celebration

KAMPALA, Uganda — International football journalist Fabrizio Romano has expressed his desire to attend the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations in East Africa, offering an enthusiastic endorsement of a tournament expected to bring together football, culture and tourism across three countries.

Romano, widely recognised for his trademark transfer announcement, “Here we go”, spoke about the competition during an interview following Monday’s Ballon d’Or ceremony in London.

Describing the tournament as an exciting prospect, the Italian journalist said he hoped to experience the competition and its atmosphere in person.

“It is going to be amazing. I wish to enjoy it. It is always one of the best competitions,” Romano said.

He also highlighted the cultural dimension of the tournament, adding: “It is always about the countries, the African culture. This one will be amazing.”

Asked whether he intended to visit East Africa, Romano responded: “Of course, I hope so. Here we go.”

His comments have generated excitement among football followers in the region, although he has not confirmed an official travel plan.

A historic tournament for East Africa

The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, branded AFCON PAMOJA 2027, will be jointly hosted by Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania, marking the first time the continental competition will be staged across three countries.

According to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the tournament is scheduled to run from June 19 to July 17, 2027, with 24 national teams expected to compete.

The three host nations have automatically qualified for the finals, giving the region a significant opportunity to showcase its football development, hospitality and tourism attractions to an international audience.

The tournament also represents AFCON's return to East Africa for the first time since Ethiopia hosted the competition in 1976.

Beyond football: A tourism opportunity

Preparations are increasingly extending beyond stadiums and match organisation, with Uganda, Kenya and Tanzania seeking to use the competition to promote the region as a shared tourism destination.

Uganda has already entered into a partnership with CAF through the Uganda Tourism Board, securing official destination sponsorship rights to promote the country's tourism brand, Explore Uganda – The Pearl of Africa, during the tournament.

The campaign is expected to showcase the country's wildlife, natural attractions, cultural heritage and hospitality to football audiences around the world.

Kenya and Tanzania are also preparing to use the tournament to attract visitors and investment while strengthening regional cooperation.

Romano's enthusiasm comes at a time when the three countries are working to turn AFCON 2027 into more than a sporting event — an opportunity to introduce East Africa to a wider global audience.

For now, the transfer journalist's possible appearance remains a hope rather than a confirmed commitment. But his message has already added another familiar international voice to the growing anticipation surrounding AFCON PAMOJA 2027.

SOURCE BBC NEWS