Egypt declares readiness to host 2028 AFCON

Egypt has officially declared its intention to bid for the hosting rights of the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), with the country’s Ministry of Youth and Sports confirming it is fully prepared to stage the continent’s flagship football tournament.

Speaking on the matter, the Ministry’s spokesperson said Egypt possesses the necessary infrastructure and organisational capacity to successfully host the competition, adding that the next step lies with the Egyptian Football Association (EFA).

“We are ready to host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations. We have the required infrastructure and capabilities. The matter is now with the Egyptian Football Association to contact CAF and submit a hosting request,” the spokesperson said.

The statement comes after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) officially invited its member associations to submit bids to host the 2028 edition of the tournament.

Egypt, one of Africa’s most successful football nations, is no stranger to hosting major continental competitions. The North African country last staged the AFCON in 2019 after stepping in as a replacement host, with the tournament widely praised for its organisation and modern facilities.

The country boasts several world-class stadiums, including the Cairo International Stadium, Borg El Arab Stadium in Alexandria and venues in the New Administrative Capital, giving it a strong foundation for another hosting bid.

With CAF’s bidding process now underway, the Egyptian Football Association is expected to begin formal discussions before submitting an official expression of interest to the continental governing body.

Egypt’s declaration is likely to intensify the race for the 2028 hosting rights, with several other African nations also expected to enter the bidding process in the coming months.

CAF is expected to evaluate candidate nations based on key criteria, including stadium infrastructure, accommodation, transportation networks, security arrangements and overall organisational capacity before selecting the host nation for Africa’s premier football competition.