🔥 Gündem Ethiopia's 2028 Africa Cup of Nations Hosting Bid: What You Need to Know

Ethiopia has officially submitted a bid to host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) ³⁵. This marks a significant move for the country, as it would be the first time Ethiopia has staged the continent's premier football tournament in over half a century, with their last hosting experience dating back to 1976 ¹⁷⁸.

Background of the Bid

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) opened the bidding process for the 2028 AFCON in December 2025 ². The deadline for submitting official bid documents, including formal government guarantees, was February 1, 2026 ². On February 12, 2026, CAF confirmed that it had received three official bids for the 2028 tournament: from Ethiopia, Morocco, and another unnamed country ².

The Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF) confirmed its bid, which is reportedly backed by the Ethiopian government ³⁶. This government support is crucial, as it affirms the nation's commitment to hosting such a large-scale event ³.

Challenges and Opportunities

While Ethiopia's bid is a notable development, it faces significant challenges, particularly concerning infrastructure. Reports indicate that Ethiopia currently lacks a sufficient number of stadiums to host a 24-team tournament, which is the current format for the Africa Cup of Nations ⁴. Addressing this infrastructure gap would require substantial investment and development in the coming years.

Despite these challenges, hosting the AFCON would present a major opportunity for Ethiopia. It could boost tourism, stimulate economic growth, and elevate the country's profile on the international stage. The bid itself signifies Ethiopia's ambition to re-establish itself as a prominent host for major sporting events in Africa.

The decision on the host nation for the 2028 AFCON is eagerly awaited, with Ethiopia vying against other contenders to bring the prestigious tournament back to its soil after a long hiatus ².