CAF Opens Bidding for AFCON 2028, 2032 and 2036
The race to host Africa’s biggest football tournament is officially underway. The Confederation of African Football has invited all 54 Member Associations to submit bids to stage the Africa Cup of Nations in 2028, 2032 and 2036, opening the door for what is expected to be one of the most competitive bidding processes in the competition’s history.
AFCON has grown into far more than just a continental championship. It is now firmly established as one of the world’s biggest sporting events, attracting more than 3.2 billion television viewers and 6 billion digital engagements globally.
The commercial and cultural impact was laid bare during Morocco 2025, where revenues surged by over 90% and viewership in Europe, Asia and South America climbed by 61%. For governments and football associations, hosting AFCON is now seen as a powerful catalyst for infrastructure development, tourism growth, foreign investment, and international visibility.
It is an opportunity to showcase a nation to the world while leaving a lasting sporting legacy.
To guarantee credibility, CAF has introduced a new Bidding Framework developed with independent advisers PwC, along with technical, financial and legal experts.
The document sets out strict requirements covering stadiums, training sites, accommodation, transport, security, broadcasting and long-term legacy plans. CAF emphasized that the process will be transparent, ethical and aligned with global best practices, giving every Member Association a fair chance to present a compelling case.
The organization also confirmed a major calendar change: AFCON will now be staged every year, except during FIFA World Cup years, a move designed to keep the tournament in the global spotlight and increase its value to partners and broadcasters.
Before attention shifts to the next bidding cycle, the focus remains on PAMOJA 2027. Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda will make history as the first three East African nations to co-host the tournament, with matches scheduled from 19 June to 17 July 2027.
With three editions now available, expect intense competition, national lobbying and major government investment across the continent in the months ahead. For CAF, the priority will be selecting hosts capable of delivering world-class tournaments while ensuring the benefits extend beyond the final whistle. For African football, this moment is further proof of AFCON’s remarkable rise — from a regional event to a global product that nations are now eager to host.
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