Ethiopia seeks return to Africa Cup of Nations hosting stage in 2028

Ethiopia has formally declared its intention to host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations, becoming the first country to publicly put forward a bid for the tournament while the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has yet to decide where the competition will be staged.

The Ethiopian Football Federation announced the country’s candidacy at a time when no host nation has been confirmed for the 2028 edition. CAF has also not received any official hosting proposals for the tournament, meaning Ethiopia’s declaration represents the opening move in what could become a wider bidding process.

The next Africa Cup of Nations is scheduled to take place in 2027, with Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania preparing to host the competition jointly. However, the identity of the country or countries that will organise the following edition in 2028 remains unresolved.

Ethiopia’s bid would bring the country back into consideration for one of African football’s most important events. It has previously staged the Africa Cup of Nations on two occasions, in 1962 and 1976.

The country also has a significant historical connection with the tournament. Ethiopia won the 1962 edition on home soil, securing its only Africa Cup of Nations title. The national team also finished as runners-up at the inaugural tournament in 1957.

That early success established Ethiopia among the leading teams in the competition’s formative years. Its recent presence at continental level, however, has been far more limited.

Ethiopia have appeared at the Africa Cup of Nations only twice during the 21st century. The national team qualified for the 2013 edition and returned to the tournament in 2021.

The Ethiopian Football Federation’s announcement therefore combines a bid for future hosting rights with an attempt to reconnect the country with a competition that occupies an important place in its football history.

The 2028 tournament is still without an officially selected host, while the 2027 edition is being prepared by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania. For now, Ethiopia is the only country reported to have formally advanced its interest in staging the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations.