Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have officially submitted a joint bid to host the 2032 Africa Cup of Nations, marking the first candidacy for the tournament six years out. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) confirmed approval of the three nations' expression of interest, according to the Niger Football Federation's statement released this week.
The tripartite alliance, all members of the Alliance of Sahel States, represents an ambitious effort to bring African football's premier continental event to the region for the first time in this collective capacity. Their coordinated bid demonstrates growing cooperation among West African nations and signals confidence in their ability to organize a tournament that typically attracts tens of thousands of supporters and involves complex logistical operations across multiple venues and stadiums.
Race for 2028, 2032, and 2036 Editions
CAF launched its call for hosting bids in early July, opening the door to candidates for three upcoming editions: 2028, 2032, and 2036. Libya entered the race for 2028, which will be the final tournament under the current two-year cycle before AFCON shifts to a four-year format. Several nations have expressed preliminary interest without formally submitting applications, including Egypt, Ethiopia, and a potential partnership between Botswana and South Africa.
Senegal could yet join the competition for 2032 after signaling interest last May through former Sports Minister Khady Diène Gaye, though they have not yet filed official documentation. Meanwhile, Morocco, hosts of the most recent edition, has ruled out future bids despite reports suggesting CAF wants to persuade them back into contention.
2027 Tournament Uncertainty Looms
Concerns persist regarding the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled to take place in East Africa across Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. CAF reportedly harbors doubts about the three nations' readiness to stage the event, which could explain efforts to bring established hosts like Morocco back into consideration. This uncertainty underscores the importance of having reliable bids secured well in advance for future tournaments.
The Sahel bloc's coordinated bid reflects broader continental trends toward regional cooperation in hosting major sporting events. All eyes now turn to whether Senegal will formalize its candidacy and what other nations might emerge as contenders in the coming months as CAF evaluates proposals for the pivotal 2028 edition and beyond.
