AFCON 2028: Three Bids Submitted for Continental Showpiece

The race to stage the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations has officially begun, with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirming that three formal bids were received ahead of the deadline. This edition of the tournament is particularly significant, as it marks a strategic turning point in the governance of African football. Morocco, Ethiopia, and a joint ticket from South Africa and Botswana have all declared their intent to host what will be a landmark competition.

AFCON 2028 is set to herald a new era, as CAF President Patrice Motsepe recently announced a move away from the traditional two-year cycle. The tournament will switch to a four-year format, a decision designed to alleviate the mounting pressure on players and national associations, whose schedules are increasingly congested by global club commitments. This synchronization with the FIFA calendar forms part of a broader overhaul of continental competitions.

Morocco, which staged the 2025-2026 tournament, has submitted a bid to host once more, leveraging the high praise received for its world-class infrastructure and organizational success during the most recent finals. The North African nation is aiming to cement its reputation as a premier destination for global sporting events.

Ethiopia’s bid carries immense historical weight, as one of the four founding nations of CAF and a participant in the inaugural tournament in 1957. Having previously staged the finals in 1962, 1968, and 1976—winning their sole continental title on home soil in the first of those editions—Ethiopia is looking to bring the tournament back to East Africa.

South Africa is seeking a return to hosting duties through a joint proposal with Botswana. While South Africa has successfully staged the event twice, in 1996 and 2013, a successful bid would mark Botswana’s first time as co-hosts. This partnership highlights a growing trend of regional cooperation to share the logistical and financial responsibilities of hosting such a massive event.

Before the focus shifts entirely to 2028, the next edition in 2027 will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, marking a major milestone for football development in the East African region. The decision on the 2028 host is expected to be announced following a thorough evaluation of the submitted proposals.