CAF delays selecting the 2029–2035 AFCON hosts as the bidding war heats up
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has declared a delay in determining the host nations for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments scheduled from 2029 to 2035, as per the resolutions made during its recent Executive Committee meeting.
Emerging reports indicate that five official bids have been submitted for consideration, highlighting one of the most competitive hosting races in recent years.
Angola, Rwanda, Ethiopia, and Senegal have each submitted their own bids, whereas Mali and Guinea have collaborated to present a joint proposal to enhance their prospects.
Although there was significant interest throughout the continent, the CAF Executive Committee did not proceed with finalizing a host nation.
Instead, it chose to prolong the evaluation period to facilitate a more thorough assessment of infrastructure readiness, financial commitments, and overall organizational capacity.
The delay highlights the fervor of the bidding process, with each potential host nation actively seeking support while striving to fulfill CAF’s rigorous standards.
Upgrades to stadiums, improvements in transportation networks, enhancements in accommodation standards, and robust security plans are anticipated to be crucial factors in identifying the eventual winners.
The hosting rights for AFCON from 2029 through 2035 extend beyond football, carrying substantial implications. The chosen countries will experience significant economic, infrastructural, and developmental advantages, as these tournaments are recognized for stimulating investment, tourism, and job creation.
CAF is anticipated to announce new timelines for the final decision in the upcoming weeks. At the same time, football stakeholders throughout the continent are advocating for transparency, fairness, and strategic planning to guarantee that the selected hosts provide world-class tournaments.
As excitement grows, it is evident that significant choices are on the horizon—choices that will ultimately influence the future of African football development for the next ten years.
