Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso bid to host AFCON 2032

Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, three West African nations currently under military rule, have announced their intention to jointly host the 2032 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Officials from the Malian Football Federation met with Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe in New York to discuss the bid.

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with a view to a joint bid to host the 2032 Africa Cup of Nations

These neighboring countries, united within the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), are led by post-coup juntas. They are simultaneously facing significant security challenges, including deadly attacks from jihadist groups that have resulted in thousands of casualties. The Malian federation described the meeting with CAF as a "pivotal stage in the bidding process."

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a pivotal stage in the bidding process

The statement added that this step allows the three member associations to "proceed with the steps outlined in CAF regulations for the awarding of the 2032 AFCON." The federations plan to "prepare a robust, credible bid that embodies a new vision for African football."

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proceed with the steps outlined in CAF regulations for the awarding of the 2032 AFCON

Burkina Faso previously hosted the AFCON in 1998, and Mali hosted in 2002. Niger has never had the opportunity to host the biennial tournament. While Mali possesses five CAF-approved stadiums and Burkina Faso recently secured approval for its main stadium, Niger is still working to bring its General Seyni Kountche Stadium up to international standards after it was barred from hosting matches since 2022.

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prepare a robust, credible bid that embodies a new vision for African football