The recent statement by Hussein Jenayah, vice-president of the Tunisian Football Federation (FTF), sparked a wave of reactions on social media, questioning Tunisia's ability to host the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) given its struggling stadium infrastructure. Jenayah's condition for a potential bid is that several stadiums, including Radès, Sousse, Taïeb Mhiri in Sfax, Mustapha Ben Jannet in Monastir, and El Menzah, must be homologated.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) opened the bidding process for CAN 2028, 2032, and 2036 in July 2026, allowing for single or multiple host countries. While the idea seems plausible, the reality lies in the condition of Tunisia's stadiums. The country has several stadiums, but they do not meet the required standards for a competition like CAN.
For the 2025-2026 season, only three Tunisian stadiums were authorized for preliminary interclub competitions: Radès, Sousse, and Taïeb Mhiri. However, only Radès was homologated for the group stage. CAF homologation is not a mere administrative formality, as it involves inspections, safety and fire certificates, and lighting controls.
CAF can grant temporary or limited homologation but can also withdraw approval if standards are not met. This is where images of aging stadiums, ongoing construction, and insufficient modernization take on a different significance. The public perception is that of a country still aspiring to host major events while essential sports infrastructure is under renovation.
The case of Sfax is illustrative, with the Taïeb Mhiri stadium undergoing an upgrade program, including locker rooms, areas for referees and CAF, security, press tribunes, and a mixed zone. The FTF and local authorities are working to meet continental requirements.
In Monastir, a call for tenders was launched in 2026 to develop the Mustapha Ben Jannet complex, including a mixed zone, locker rooms, a press room, an infirmary, an anti-doping area, and a VAR space. In Sousse, modernization works are underway at the Olympic stadium. These efforts demonstrate Tunisia's commitment to improving its stadium infrastructure.
Despite these challenges, Tunisia's bid to host CAN remains a possibility, potentially in collaboration with a neighboring country. The country's football authorities and government must prioritize infrastructure development to meet CAF standards and make their ambition a reality.
Key points
- Tunisia's stadium infrastructure is a major obstacle to hosting the Africa Cup of Nations.
- The country has several stadiums, but they require modernization and homologation to meet CAF standards.
- Tunisia's football authorities are working to upgrade stadiums, including those in Sfax, Monastir, and Sousse.
