Ethiopia Launches Official Bid for 2028 Africa Cup of Nations, Aiming to End 52-Year Hosting Hiatus

Ethiopia has officially submitted a government-backed bid to host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), marking a determined effort to bring the continent’s premier football tournament back to the country for the first time since 1976. The Ethiopian Football Federation (EFF) emphasized the nation’s readiness and historical significance as a founding member of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), having previously hosted the event three times in 1962, 1968, and 1976. Despite a current global ranking of 143rd for the national team, the Walia Ibex, the EFF maintains that the tournament would serve as a catalyst for sporting growth in East Africa.

However, the bid faces significant scrutiny regarding the country’s current football infrastructure. At present, Ethiopia has only one stadium—Bahir Dar Stadium—that meets the stringent requirements set by CAF for international matches. To accommodate the modern 24-team format, the nation is pinning its hopes on the completion of the Adey Abeba International Stadium and sports complex in Addis Ababa. While the government expects construction to conclude within the next year, critics point to the recent necessity of moving Ethiopia's 2026 World Cup qualifiers to neutral venues as a concerning indicator of the nation’s current lack of compliant facilities.

Beyond physical infrastructure, the proposal must navigate complex logistical and security challenges. While the capital city is considered relatively stable, ongoing regional conflicts and political unrest in other parts of the country have raised alarms regarding the safety of visiting teams and spectators. Hosting a tournament of this magnitude requires not only elite stadiums but also high-standard training facilities, reliable transportation networks, and extensive hotel accommodations across multiple host cities, many of which are currently lacking in the necessary upgrades.

Ethiopia enters a competitive field for the 2028 hosting rights, facing a formidable joint bid from a Southern African bloc including Botswana, Namibia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Morocco and Burkina Faso have also expressed interest in future hosting opportunities. Following the decision to award the 2027 AFCON to the East African trio of Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, Ethiopia’s success would further cement the region’s emerging status as a hub for African football. The CAF executive committee is expected to weigh these infrastructure and security concerns against Ethiopia's rich footballing heritage before making a final determination.