CAF Opens Bidding for 2028, 2031, and 2033 Africa Cup of Nations Hosts

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced the opening of the bidding process for the 2028, 2031, and 2033 Africa Cup of Nations. This decision was made by the CAF Executive Committee on October 29, which decided to return to organizing the tournament every two years. The bidding process now includes the years 2028, 2031, and 2033, replacing the previous schedule of 2032 and 2036.

The CAF has given national football federations a new opportunity to submit their applications to host one of the specified editions of the Africa Cup of Nations. This includes federations that have not previously submitted bids. The applications must adhere to the approved conditions and regulations. The deadline for expressing interest is November 17, 2026, and the final deadline for submitting complete bid files is December 8, 2026.

The CAF emphasized that the bidding process will be conducted with the principles of justice, transparency, and integrity, ensuring equal opportunities for all participating national federations. No preference will be given to those who participated in the previous bidding process. This move aims to provide a fair chance for all interested parties to host the prestigious tournament.

The decision to adjust the bidding schedule takes into account the 2030 FIFA World Cup timeline. By doing so, the CAF aims to avoid scheduling conflicts and ensure a smooth organization of both tournaments. The Africa Cup of Nations is one of the most prominent sporting events in Africa, attracting millions of fans and top football talent from across the continent.

The CAF's decision to reopen the bidding process has been welcomed by many national federations, which see this as an opportunity to host a major international football event. Hosting the Africa Cup of Nations can bring significant economic and sports development benefits to the host country, including improved infrastructure and increased international visibility.

The bidding process for the 2028, 2031, and 2033 Africa Cup of Nations is expected to be competitive, with several countries likely to submit their applications. The CAF will evaluate the bids based on the set criteria, which include the country's football infrastructure, logistical capabilities, and previous experience in hosting major international events.

The successful host(s) of the 2028, 2031, and 2033 Africa Cup of Nations will be announced after the evaluation of the bids and the final decision by the CAF Executive Committee. Once the hosts are confirmed, preparations will begin for what promises to be an exciting and memorable tournament.

Key points

• The CAF has set November 17, 2026, as the deadline for expressing interest in hosting the 2028, 2031, or 2033 Africa Cup of Nations.