Ethiopia bids to host AFCON 2028 amid security concerns and schedule change

Ethiopia formally submitted its bid to host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in late December 2025, confirming via its Football Federation's X post. The last time Ethiopia hosted AFCON was in 1976.

Ethiopia, with around 130 million people and Africa’s highest capital (Addis Ababa at 2,300 metres), seeks to host the continent’s premier football tournament amid security challenges—ongoing insurgencies in Amhara and Oromia and threats of renewed civil war in Tigray. The Ethiopian national team ranks 143rd out of 211 by FIFA and last played in AFCON in 2022, exiting at the group stage. Additionally, CAF plans to shift the tournament to a four‑year cycle starting in 2028 to align with other FIFA competitions, while Mali, Niger and Burkina Faso have expressed interest in co‑hosting the 2032 edition.

For Nigerian fans, the bid could affect future travel plans and viewing schedules; a successful Ethiopian hosting would mean AFCON matches in a high‑altitude venue, while security concerns may influence ticket sales and team preparations. Consider whether you would support an Ethiopian host nation given the risks, or how the new four‑year cycle might change your AFCON engagement. Keep an eye on CAF's decision expected mid‑2026.

SOURCE: https://www.channelstv.com/2026/08/25/ethiopia-bids-to-host-2028-afcon/