Ethiopia bids to host 2028 AFCON

Ethiopia has formally entered the race to host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), marking a potential return to the continental stage for the first time in over 50 years. The Ethiopian Football Federation confirmed its bid, expressing the nation's readiness to host Africa's premier football event.

Should Ethiopia be successful, it would be a significant moment for the nation, which last hosted the tournament in 1976. With a population of around 130 million, Ethiopia is the second most populous country in Africa, and its capital, Addis Ababa, serves as the headquarters for the African Union. The country also boasts the highest altitude of any African capital city.

However, Ethiopia's ambition faces considerable hurdles. The nation is grappling with internal conflicts, including ongoing insurgencies in the Amhara and Oromia regions, and the threat of renewed civil war with the northern Tigray region. These security concerns present a major challenge for hosting an international sporting event.

The Ethiopian national team's current standing also adds context to the bid. Ranked 143rd by FIFA, the team last participated in AFCON in 2022, where they were eliminated in the group stage. Meanwhile, other nations like Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have expressed interest in co-hosting the 2032 edition.

The 2028 AFCON will also see a shift in scheduling, moving to a four-year cycle to align with other FIFA competitions. Morocco hosted the most recent tournament, while Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania are set to co-host the next edition.

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Ethiopia has formally submitted its bid to CAF to host AFCON 2028, reaffirming the nation’s full readiness to host Africa’s biggest footballing event.