Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have officially launched a joint bid to host the 2032 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), marking a significant step in the three Sahel nations’ ambition to stage Africa’s biggest football tournament for the first time as co-hosts. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has acknowledged and accepted their formal expression of interest in the bidding process.
The joint proposal reflects growing cooperation among the three countries, which have strengthened political, security and regional ties in recent years. Football officials from Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger say hosting AFCON would accelerate investment in sporting infrastructure, boost tourism, and create economic opportunities across the region.
CAF recently opened the bidding process for the 2028, 2032 and 2036 editions of the Africa Cup of Nations, inviting all 54 member associations to submit hosting proposals. The Sahel trio are the first nations to publicly confirm a joint bid for the 2032 tournament.
If successful, the three countries will be required to demonstrate that they can meet CAF’s hosting standards, including modern stadiums, training facilities, transport infrastructure, accommodation, medical services and security arrangements before the hosting rights are awarded.
Football stakeholders have welcomed the announcement, describing it as a bold move that could help expand the tournament’s footprint and promote football development in the Sahel region. The bid is also expected to attract support from governments and private investors seeking to improve sports infrastructure and stimulate economic growth.
CAF is expected to evaluate all submitted bids before selecting the host nation or nations for the 2032 tournament, with competition likely from other African countries that have expressed interest in staging future editions of the continental championship.
