Ethiopia Bids to Host 2028 Africa Cup
Ethiopia has formally submitted an official bid to stage the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations, marking a bold push to bring the continent’s premier football tournament back to East Africa.
The Ethiopian Football Federation announced that its government-supported proposal demonstrates the nation’s complete readiness to host the event. This would be the first time the country has organized the competition since 1976, following earlier successful editions in 1962 and 1968. Officials presented a full bid handbook that addresses all required standards set by the Confederation of African Football.
Despite its proud history with the tournament, Ethiopia faces significant questions about its current football infrastructure. Only one stadium met official approval standards in the most recent season, though a new international venue and sports complex is nearing completion in the capital. Many existing regional facilities still fall short of the strict requirements for seating, safety, and match-day operations needed for a modern 24-team event. The national team has often been forced to play important home fixtures at neutral sites in recent years, highlighting ongoing challenges with venue readiness.
Competition for the hosting rights is already heating up. A joint proposal from several southern African nations has also entered the race, while other countries continue to express interest in future editions. The confederation recently noted that it has received several strong submissions for the 2028, 2032, and 2036 tournaments. After 2028 the competition will shift to a four-year cycle, aligning more closely with other major international calendars and raising the stakes for each hosting decision.
The upcoming 2027 edition, set to be co-hosted by the country, Tanzania, and Uganda, will return the tournament to the region for the first time in decades. Ethiopia’s bid aims to build on that momentum and keep the spotlight on East African football. Success would require rapid progress on stadium upgrades and clear guarantees that multiple venues can meet international standards across the tournament period.
If awarded the rights, Ethiopia would gain a major opportunity to showcase its development and inspire a new generation of players and fans. The national side currently ranks modestly on the global and continental lists and has appeared only sparingly in recent finals. A successful hosting bid could revitalize local football structures while delivering one of Africa’s most celebrated sporting spectacles to a nation eager to reclaim its place on the continental stage.
