Ethiopia Bids to Host 2028 Africa Cup of Nations

Ethiopia has officially submitted a bid to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).

The Ethiopian Football Federation lodged the bid this month, aiming to bring the continent’s premier football tournament back to the country for the first time in over 50 years. Ethiopia previously hosted—and won—the competition in 1962, and also staged it in 1968 and 1976.

EFF Secretary General Bahiru Tilahun confirmed the submission, emphasising the Ethiopian government’s full support for the proposal. The bid coincides with CAF’s plan to return the tournament to a four-year cycle beginning in 2028.

The bid reportedly includes a comprehensive plan for significant infrastructure development. Key projects involve the construction and modernisation of stadiums in Addis Ababa and other regions, including a second phase for the 62,000-seat Adey Abeba Stadium being handled by China Communications Construction Company. The government also highlighted ongoing investments in transportation, hotels, and other necessary facilities as central strengths of its candidacy.

Ethiopia faces formidable competition for the hosting rights. Notable contenders include a joint bid from Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa, and a strong individual bid from Morocco, which boasts advanced football infrastructure and recent major tournament experience. Egypt has also been speculated as a potential bidder, though its official position remains uncertain.

If successful, Ethiopia would join Egypt as the joint second-most frequent host of the tournament, with four editions each, trailing only Ghana.

CAF has not yet released a shortlist of candidate countries or a definitive decision timeline. Nevertheless, Ethiopia’s bid has already sparked conversations within African football, with many supporters welcoming the prospect of the tournament returning to East Africa.