By Julian Osamoto
Ethiopia has formally submitted a bid to host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations AFCON, seeking to stage the continental tournament for the first time in more than 50 years.
The Ethiopian Football Federation confirmed the bid on Monday, saying the country is ready to host Africa’s biggest football competition.
Ethiopia last hosted the tournament in 1976, when Morocco won the title.
However, the bid faces significant security and infrastructure challenges. Insurgencies continue in Amhara and Oromia, while tensions with the northern Tigray region have raised concerns over the country’s stability.
Ethiopia also faces a sporting challenge. The national team ranks 143rd in the latest FIFA rankings and last appeared at the AFCON in 2022, when it exited at the group stage.
Despite these concerns, Ethiopia brings major advantages to the bid, including a population of about 130 million and Addis Ababa’s role as the headquarters of the African Union.
CAF will also have to consider Ethiopia’s readiness to provide the stadiums, transport, accommodation and security infrastructure required for a tournament of this scale.
Morocco hosted the most recent AFCON, while Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania will jointly host the next edition.
From 2028, AFCON will move to a four-year cycle, bringing the tournament into line with the schedules of other major FIFA competitions.
