Egypt bids to host 2027 Africa Under-23 Cup of Nations ahead of Los Angeles Olympics

The Egyptian Football Association has formally asked the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to award it the right to host the 2027 Africa Under-23 Cup of Nations, the qualifying tournament for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games.

The association confirmed on Saturday that it had submitted its hosting request during the past few months. The tournament is scheduled to take place in November 2027 under the proposed calendar.

The Egyptian Football Association said the bid was part of a wider plan to create the best possible preparation conditions for Egypt’s national teams and improve their chances of competing successfully in continental and international competitions.

The association, led by Hany Abou Rida, said it was continuing efforts to bring important African tournaments to Egypt. It added that the country’s previous experience of organising major continental events, together with its sports facilities, infrastructure and organisational capabilities, provided a strong foundation for the bid.

The hosting application has also received government backing. Egypt’s Minister of Youth and Sports has issued a government undertaking in support of the file submitted by the Egyptian Football Association, according to the statement.

That support reflects co-ordination between the country’s institutions as Egypt seeks to stage another major African football competition.

Egypt will also host the North African Football Union Under-20 Championship from 21 September to 6 October 2026. The tournament will serve as a qualifying event for the Africa Under-20 Cup of Nations.

The Egyptian Football Association said hosting that competition would further underline the country’s role in staging regional and continental tournaments, while giving national teams strong opportunities to prepare and compete.

The association described the planned events as part of an integrated strategy focused on developing Egypt’s national teams and providing them with the strongest possible preparations. It also said organising major tournaments would help support the wider development of Egyptian football.

The 2027 Africa Under-23 Cup of Nations is particularly significant because it will determine qualification for the football tournament at the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games. Egypt’s request therefore combines the country’s ambition to host a high-profile continental event with its stated aim of strengthening its national teams.

The association said the bid would also reinforce Egypt’s position as one of Africa’s leading hosts of football competitions. No decision by CAF on the 2027 venue was included in the announcement.

The statement was issued on Saturday, 8 August 2026, as the Egyptian Football Association outlined its plans to continue attracting African tournaments and using them to enhance the development and competitiveness of its national football teams.