Mali, Niger, Burkina Faso bid to host AFCON 2032

Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, all currently led by military governments, have announced a joint bid to 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 joint bid, marking a significant step in the process.

“

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

The three neighboring countries are allies within the Alliance of Sahel States (AES) and are collectively grappling with insecurity due to ongoing attacks from jihadist groups. Despite these challenges, the Malian federation described the meeting with CAF as "a pivotal stage in the bidding process," allowing them to proceed with the necessary steps outlined in CAF regulations. The federations aim to prepare a "robust, credible bid that embodies a new vision for African football."

“

a pivotal stage in the bidding process

Burkina Faso previously hosted the AFCON in 1998, and Mali hosted in 2002. Niger has never had the opportunity to host the biennial tournament. The bid highlights a collaborative effort among these Sahel nations, potentially showcasing a unified front amidst regional instability. The next AFCON is scheduled to be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda in 2027.

“

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