CAF sets the bidding map for hosting Africa Cup of Nations until 2033

CAF has reopened the bidding process for hosting the Africa Cup of Nations for the 2028, 2031, and 2033 editions. This move comes after the reversal of the decision to hold the tournament every four years, returning to a biennial format.

CAF has sent a letter to the 54 member national associations, announcing the launch of a new bidding process, which gives countries wishing to host the tournament a renewed opportunity to express their interest in hosting the competitions on their territory.

Under the new amendments, the 2028 edition will take place as scheduled without change, while the 2031 and 2033 editions will replace the tournaments that were originally planned for 2032 and 2036, according to the previous schedule.

The African Union has invited all member associations, including those that did not participate in the previous application process, to submit new applications, clarifying that associations that have previously submitted official files will not be required to renew their interest or send new hosting requests.

Crucial dates in the hosting race.

CAF has set November 17 at 7 PM GMT as the deadline to express interest in hosting one of the three editions.

The deadline for federations seeking clarification on the application procedures has been extended until November 24 at 7 PM GMT, with the final deadline for submitting completed hosting files set for December 8 at the same time.

The African Football Confederation has confirmed that federations can submit hosting bids individually or jointly, allowing a single country to apply to host multiple editions of the tournament.

A fair competition with no advantage for previous leaders.

CAF has stressed that all candidacy files will undergo a fair and transparent evaluation process, with the participation of specialized companies from outside the African Union. It confirmed that participation in the previous application process, before the tournament's hosting system was amended, will not grant any federation an advantage over the other competitors.

The federation indicated that it has not yet finalized the deadlines for the 2028, 2031, and 2033 editions, clarifying that work is still ongoing to determine them at a later stage.

The decision comes after CAF reversed its previous plan to hold the Africa Cup of Nations every four years following the 2028 edition, returning to the traditional system of organizing the tournament every two years. This has opened the door for African countries to compete again for the rights to host the continental event.