The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has officially opened the bidding process for the hosting rights of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments in 2028, 2032 and 2036. It also invited its 54 Member Associations (MAs) across the continent to submit expressions of interest.
This official announcement marked the beginning of a competitive selection process for Africa’s premier men’s football tournament. It continues to grow in stature as one of the world’s most watched sporting events.
According to CAF, the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) attracted over 3.2 billion television viewers and generated over 6 billion digital views globally during the previously held tournament. It also reflected the expanding international reach of the tournament and its commercial appeal.
Reportedly, the bidding opportunity is open to all CAF Member Associations who represent the 54 African Nations. The countries may submit bids individually or where applicable through joint hosting arrangements. These are subjected to the competition’s requirements and CAF’s evaluation criteria.
CAF also confirmed that the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations PAMOJA 2027 will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. The tournament is scheduled to run from June 19 to July 17, 2026. For the first time, the three East African Nations will co-host the continental championship.
The Confédération Africaine de Football (“CAF”) has invited its Member Associations (“MAs”) that represents 54 African countries, to submit bids to host the CAF AFRICA CUP OF NATIONS (“AFCON”) 2028, 2032 and 2036.https://t.co/ucL6y07WL5
— CAF Media (@CAF_Media) July 3, 2026
Considering it as a part of its long-term competition calendar, CAF also noted that it will stage a senior men’s national team tournament every year, except in the years when the FIFA World Cup is held. This move aims to ensure regular high-level international competition for African national teams. While it is also maintaining alignment with the global football calendar.
CAF also introduced a comprehensive Bidding Framework for the 2028, 2032 and 2036 editions of AFCON to oversee the host selection process. The framework has been developed with the support of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC). It served as CAF’s independent expert adviser, alongside technical, financial and external legal advisers.
According to CAF, the framework is designed to ensure that the bidding and evaluation process is transparent, credible and is conducted ethically. It also aligns with internationally recognised best practices for the selection of hosts for major sporting events. CAF further assured that additional announcements regarding its national team competitions and future tournament plans will be made in due course as preparations for upcoming editions to continue.