Egypt has signalled its readiness to return as host of Africa’s flagship football tournament, with the government preparing to submit an official bid to stage the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations, citing infrastructure capable of handling events on a global scale.
The intention was confirmed on Tuesday by Mohamed El-Shazly, spokesperson for the Ministry of Youth and Sports, who said the state has formally communicated its preparedness to the Egyptian Football Association ahead of a potential application to the Confederation of African Football.
El-Shazly stressed that Egypt’s sporting facilities, transport networks and stadiums place the country in a strong position to organise the tournament.
According to the ministry, discussions are already underway between Minister of Youth and Sports Ashraf Sobhy and senior officials of the Egyptian FA to align technical and administrative requirements before lodging a formal request to CAF for the 2028 finals.
El-Shazly described Egypt as “the most ready” candidate, arguing that the country’s infrastructure goes beyond continental demands and is sufficient to host a World Cup.
Egypt last hosted the Africa Cup of Nations in 2019, delivering a tournament that was widely praised for its organisation, security and logistics.
Officials believe that experience, combined with continued investment in sports infrastructure, strengthens the country’s case for another hosting role.
However, the Egyptian FA is expected to proceed cautiously. A source within the federation told Kooora that FA president Hany Abo Rida plans to open discussions on the bid only after the conclusion of the current AFCON tournament.
The source added that the federation will consult closely with the Ministry of Youth and Sports before making any formal submission to CAF.
The move comes after CAF announced that the 2028 tournament will begin the circle of the tournament being held every four years.
