The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has invited its 54 Member Associations (MAs) to submit bids for hosting the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments in 2028, 2032, and 2036. The continental football governing body initiated the bid process to secure future hosts for its flagship competition. This invitation marks the formal opening for countries across Africa to express their interest and present proposals to organize the prestigious event for the upcoming editions. Member Associations will now prepare their candidacies, outlining their capabilities to stage the large-scale football spectacle.
AFCON's Growing Significance
The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) notes the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as the continent's largest sporting event. Its global reach extends significantly beyond Africa, establishing it as one of the world's premier athletic competitions. The tournament attracts a substantial international audience, with recent editions recording over 3.2 billion television viewers worldwide. Additionally, digital engagement metrics indicate an even broader reach, accumulating more than 6 billion digital views globally. This widespread viewership shows AFCON's increasing prominence on the international sports calendar, making the hosting rights for future editions highly sought after by Member Associations. The tournament's growing stature reflects its cultural and economic impact across the continent and internationally.
Future Tournament Schedule
The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) plans to organize a competition for Senior Men’s National Teams annually, with the exception of years when the FIFA World Cup is held. This scheduling ensures regular continental football engagement outside of the quadrennial global event. The upcoming CAF Africa Cup of Nations PAMOJA 2027 is scheduled to be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. This tournament will run from June 19, 2027, to July 17, 2027. The tri-nation hosting arrangement for AFCON PAMOJA 2027 marks a significant collaborative effort in staging the continent's premier football competition.
The Bidding Process
The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) developed its bidding framework for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2028, 2032, and 2036 tournaments with full support. This framework was established with assistance from PwC, its independent expert adviser. Additionally, CAF utilized the expertise of its technical, financial, and external legal advisers to construct the bidding process. The structured approach aims to ensure clarity and fairness for all Member Associations interested in hosting the continent's premier football event. This collaborative effort shows the rigorous preparation involved in selecting future hosts for the prestigious competition.
Implications for African Football
The Confédération Africaine de Football's (CAF) ongoing bid process for the 2028, 2032, and 2036 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments shows the continent's commitment to developing its football infrastructure. Seeking multiple future hosts aims to stimulate investment in stadiums, training facilities, and transportation networks across Africa. The initiative also encourages Member Associations to strengthen their organizational capacities, preparing them for the complexities of staging a major international event. This long-term planning by CAF is anticipated to foster economic growth in host nations and enhance the overall standard of football administration and competition within the continent. The joint hosting of AFCON PAMOJA 2027 by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda exemplifies future collaborative approaches.
