AFCON 2028: when and which country will host it?

With the competition returning every two years, AFCON 2028 will take place.

While the host country or countries are not yet known, a schedule has been proposed for the various phases of AFCON 2028, according to journalist Micky Jnr. According to this schedule, which has not yet been adopted by the executive committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), the preliminary round is expected to take place from June 7 to 15, 2027. It will see the continent’s 12 lowest-ranked national teams face each other in two-legged ties.

AFCON 2028 to be played from June 7 to July 10, 2028?

The group stage of the qualifiers could be played during the September–October and November 2027 international breaks. Four matchdays could take place during the first window, from September 20 to October 5, 2027, followed by the final two from November 8 to 16. As for the competition itself, it could be held from June 7 to July 10, 2028. It will feature 28 nations. A first!

Two bids already officially confirmed

For now, two countries have officially confirmed their bids to host the 37th edition of AFCON. They are Libya, which hosted the tournament in 1982, and Ethiopia, a three-time host in 1962, 1968 and 1976. Egypt has not yet formalized its intention to bid, while a joint bid from South Africa, Lesotho and Zimbabwe is reportedly in the works.

It should be noted that these intentions could depend on whether or not AFCON 2027 remains in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

Read also: 2026 Ballon d'Or: Harry Kane's triumph brings Tottenham nothing

Joshua SOSSOU

Editorfr, en, ar

As a sports fan, and particularly a football fan, I've been putting my writing talent to good use for a number of years now to promote African talent and the continent's football in general. On Foot Africa, enjoy reading each of my lines.

Related teams and leagues

AFCON - Africa Cup of Nations