Ethiopia Bids to Host 2028 AFCON with Government Support

Ethiopia has officially submitted a bid to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF), with support from the federal government, shifted its focus from the 2029 edition due to CAF’s new four-year tournament cycle.

EFF Secretary General Bahiru Tilahun confirmed that the bid includes a full sovereign guarantee from the Ethiopian government, indicating a strong commitment to host the tournament for the first time in over 50 years. Currently, the Ethiopian national team plays home matches in Morocco and Tanzania due to the lack of a CAF-approved venue.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed is leading efforts to resolve this through an infrastructure initiative aimed at completing the Adey Abeba Stadium in Addis Ababa and developing facilities in other cities. Ethiopia, a founding member of CAF, previously hosted AFCON in 1962, 1968, and 1976, winning the trophy in 1962.

The country faces competition from Egypt and South Africa for hosting rights.