The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is preparing to open the bidding process for the next four editions of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
With Morocco set to host the 2025 tournament from 21 December to 18 January and the 2027 edition already awarded to Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, CAF will now invite bids for the 2029, 2031, 2033, and 2035 competitions. The official announcement is expected after the CAF Executive Committee meeting on Saturday, according to BBC journalist Osasu Obayiuwana.
Several countries are already lining up to express their interest. Ethiopia, which last hosted in 1976, is aiming to bring the tournament back in 2029, with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed backing the bid. The Democratic Republic of Congo and the Republic of Congo are also considering a joint bid for the same year.
Guinea, encouraged by Côte d’Ivoire’s successful 2023 AFCON, has also shown interest in staging the event, though it has not confirmed which year it will target. Meanwhile, Senegal has withdrawn from the 2029 race after failing in its 2027 bid but could return for 2031, 2033, or 2035.
What is clear is that the battle to host Africa’s biggest football showpiece will be intense, as countries look to outdo the record-breaking success of Côte d’Ivoire’s 2023 edition.