Libya launches bid to host AFCON for first time since 1982

Libya has officially entered the race to host a future edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), submitting a formal expression of interest to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to stage the continental showpiece in either 2028, 2032 or 2036.

The move marks the first formal step in Libya’s bid to bring Africa’s biggest football tournament back to the country for the first time in 44 years, with the Libyan Football Federation now preparing a detailed hosting dossier for CAF.

Libyan Football Federation president Abdelmoula Al-Maghribi said the proposal will outline the country’s readiness to meet CAF’s hosting requirements, including stadium infrastructure, training facilities, transport networks, accommodation and other operational standards.

Successful youth tournament boosts Libya’s confidence

Al-Maghribi said Libya’s decision to pursue the tournament was inspired by the successful hosting of the UNAF Under-20 Championship in Benghazi earlier this year.

He described the competition as evidence that Libya is capable of staging major international football events, pointing to improvements in the country’s sporting infrastructure and continued government backing for hosting continental and global competitions.

The federation believes ongoing investment in sports facilities has strengthened Libya’s credentials as it seeks to return to the forefront of African football.

Strong competition expected for future AFCON tournaments

According to sources within CAF quoted by Libyan newspaper Alwasat, about 17 national football associations have already indicated an interest in hosting one of the next three AFCON tournaments.

The expected bidding process is set to be fiercely contested, with several countries exploring joint bids. Libya, however, intends to pursue the hosting rights independently.

Its proposal is centred on the redevelopment of major venues, including Tripoli International Stadium and Benghazi International Stadium, as well as wider infrastructure projects designed to support a tournament of AFCON’s scale.

If Libya’s bid succeeds, it would become only the second time the North African nation has hosted the Africa Cup of Nations, having previously staged the competition in 1982.

Securing the hosting rights would also represent a significant milestone in Libya’s efforts to re-establish itself as a destination for major African football events after decades away from the continental spotlight.