The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has conducted its first evaluation of Burkina Faso's infrastructure as part of the country's bid to co-host the 2031 Africa Cup of Nations with Mali and Niger. The evaluation, led by CAF's Professional Football Manager Emmanuel Newton Dasoberi, took place on November 8, 2026. The CAF team met with Burkina Faso's Minister of Sports, Youth, and Employment, Annick Pikbougum/Zingue Ouattara, to discuss the country's preparedness for the tournament.
The evaluation team visited several key infrastructure sites, including the Stade du 4-Août, the Centre d'entraînement des Étalons (COMET) with its two training grounds, and the Hôtel Lancaster Ouaga 2000. These visits aimed to assess the country's readiness to host the tournament, focusing on essential elements such as sports infrastructure, accommodation, and logistical capabilities. The visits were coordinated with various government ministries and stakeholders, including the Prime Minister's office, ministries of foreign affairs, construction, health, security, finance, and culture.
The evaluation is a crucial step in the bid process, as it allows CAF to assess Burkina Faso's capacity to host the tournament. The CAF team was accompanied by representatives from various government agencies, including the National Bureau of Large Projects, Faso Mêbo, and independent expert SOMDAH Toussaint. This collaborative approach demonstrates the government's commitment to supporting the bid and ensuring a successful hosting of the tournament.
According to Minister Annick Pikbougum/Zingue Ouattara, the evaluation marks a significant milestone in the country's bid to co-host the 2031 Africa Cup of Nations. The government has expressed its firm commitment to submitting a strong bid, with the goal of securing CAF's approval to host the tournament. The evaluation is expected to be followed by additional assessments, focusing on areas such as security, information technology, infrastructure, and healthcare.
The 2031 Africa Cup of Nations bid is a joint effort between Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger, as part of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). The tournament would be a significant event for the region, providing an opportunity for the host countries to showcase their capabilities and hospitality. The CAF evaluation will help identify areas for improvement and ensure that the host countries are adequately prepared for the tournament.
Further evaluations by CAF experts are expected in the coming months, focusing on specific areas such as security, technology, and healthcare. These assessments will enable CAF to progressively examine the capabilities and arrangements of the bidding countries, in collaboration with the relevant stakeholders. The outcome of these evaluations will be crucial in determining the success of Burkina Faso's bid to co-host the 2031 Africa Cup of Nations.
The government of Burkina Faso has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting the bid and ensuring a successful hosting of the tournament. If successful, the 2031 Africa Cup of Nations would be a major achievement for the country and the region, providing a platform for football development and community engagement. The final evaluation outcome will determine the fate of Burkina Faso's bid, with CAF making a decision on the host countries in due course.
Key points
- CAF conducts first evaluation of Burkina Faso's infrastructure for 2031 Africa Cup of Nations bid
- Evaluation team visits key infrastructure sites, including stadiums, training grounds, and hotels
- Further evaluations by CAF experts expected in coming months to assess security, technology, and healthcare arrangements
