Ethiopia submits bid to host 2028 AFCON in first attempt since 1976

The Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF) confirmed on Monday that it had submitted its hosting bid to the Confederation of African Football (CAF), reviving the country’s ambitions of welcoming Africa’s biggest football competition.

Ethiopia last hosted the AFCON in 1976, when the tournament was played in a four-team format and Morocco emerged as champions.

The proposed 2028 edition would therefore represent Ethiopia’s first opportunity to host the expanded tournament in the modern era.

“Ethiopia has formally submitted its bid to CAF to host AFCON 2028,” the EFF said, describing the move as a reaffirmation of the country’s readiness to stage the competition.

A bid built around Ethiopia’s footballing history

Ethiopia has a long-standing place in African football history. The country was among the founding members of CAF and won its only AFCON title in 1962 on home soil. Its capital, Addis Ababa, is also home to the headquarters of the African Union, giving Ethiopia a strong continental identity that could form part of its case to CAF.

However, the country's football credentials are currently less prominent. Ethiopia's national team sits 143rd in the FIFA rankings and has not qualified for the AFCON since 2022, when it exited at the group stage.

Security and infrastructure could prove decisive

The bid is nevertheless likely to face significant scrutiny. Ethiopia continues to contend with security challenges in parts of the country, including instability in Amhara and Oromia. Concerns surrounding the northern Tigray region also remain part of the wider political and security environment.

For CAF, the country's ability to guarantee security, transport, accommodation and stadium readiness across the tournament would therefore be central to any assessment of the proposal.

Ethiopia's elevation also presents logistical considerations. Addis Ababa sits at approximately 2,300 metres above sea level, making it the highest national capital in Africa.

A changing AFCON landscape

The Ethiopian proposal comes as CAF prepares for a significant change to the tournament calendar. From 2028, the AFCON is expected to move from its traditional two-year cycle to a four-year schedule, bringing the competition into greater alignment with the calendars of other major international tournaments.

Morocco hosted the most recent AFCON, while the 2027 edition will be staged jointly by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

Ethiopia is not the only country expressing interest in future editions. Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso have also indicated an intention to pursue a joint bid for the 2032 AFCON, despite the security challenges facing the three countries.

For Ethiopia, however, the immediate objective is 2028, and a chance to bring the continental championship back to the country 52 years after its last hosting appearance.

SportsLigue