The Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF) has confirmed that it has submitted an official bid to host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Ethiopia’s new bid follows recent changes to the schedule and timeframe of future AFCON tournaments, which prompted the EFF, backed by the government, to bring forward its hosting ambitions, having initially prepared to bid for the 2029 edition the federation’s CEO Bahru Tilahun told ETV.
Although Ethiopia does not yet have a CAF-accredited stadium, the report indicates that, driven by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s determined push, the country is set to prepare several new venues, including the nearly completed Adey Ababa Stadium in Addis Ababa. Bahir Dar, Dire Dawa, Hawassa, Jimma, and Mekele are other potential host cities with stadiums. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has previously stated that the country hopes to secure AFCON hosting rights.
The 36th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations in 2027 will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. It is the first time three countries will co-host the tournament, and it marks the return of the competition to the East African region.
CAF’s president confirmed that a bidding process for the 2028 edition will be opened to interested nations, following the adjustment of the tournament calendar. The Africa Cup of Nations, previously held on a biennial basis, will transition to a four-year cycle, with the next editions scheduled for 2028 and then 2032. CAF’s president said the shift aims to better align with the global football calendar and reduce club-player release conflicts during European seasons.
To maintain regular competitive football on the continent, CAF plans to introduce an annual African Nations League from 2029. This would allow the first African Nations League to take place in 2029. Earlier last month, Motsepe, ahead of the 2025 AFCON, said the tournament would involve all 54 member nations of the continent, divided into four geographical zones, with matches scheduled for September and October, followed by the finals in November.
