AFCON 2028: Proposed dates emerge as Libya and Ethiopia join hosting race

The 2028 Africa Cup of Nations could take place between 7 June and 10 July, with a proposed qualification schedule also emerging as Libya and Ethiopia lead the early race to host the continental competition.

Although the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has yet to confirm the host nation or nations, a provisional calendar outlining the different stages of the tournament has been reported by journalist Micky Jnr.

The proposed schedule, which has not yet received approval from CAF’s executive committee, includes preliminary qualifying matches in June 2027, followed by the main qualification campaign across two international windows later that year.

The final tournament is provisionally scheduled to run from 7 June to 10 July 2028.

It is expected to feature 28 national teams, which would represent a first in the history of the African competition.

AFCON 2028 qualifying schedule begins to take shape

According to the proposed calendar, the preliminary qualifying round would take place between 7 and 15 June 2027.

During this period, the 12 lowest-ranked national teams on the continent would compete in home-and-away encounters, with the winners progressing to the next stage of the qualification campaign.

The group stage of the qualifiers would then follow during the September-October and November 2027 international windows.

The first qualification window is scheduled to run from 20 September to 5 October 2027, with four rounds of matches expected to be played during that period.

The remaining two matchdays would take place between 8 and 16 November 2027, completing the proposed group qualification schedule.

A total of 48 national teams are expected to participate in the qualifying campaign as countries across the continent compete for places at the tournament.

If the proposed calendar is adopted, the final competition would begin on 7 June 2028 and conclude on 10 July, although CAF has yet to make an official announcement confirming the dates.

Libya and Ethiopia submit bids to host AFCON 2028

While preparations for the qualification campaign remain at the proposal stage, attention has also turned to the search for hosts of the 37th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations.

Two countries have officially confirmed their interest in organising the competition: Libya and Ethiopia.

Libya previously hosted the tournament in 1982, while Ethiopia has staged the continental championship on three occasions, in 1962, 1968 and 1976.

Both countries are now seeking another opportunity to welcome Africa’s leading national teams, although the final decision remains in CAF’s hands.

Egypt is another country whose name has emerged in discussions surrounding the hosting process, but it has not yet formally announced an intention to submit a bid.

There are also reports of a possible joint proposal involving South Africa, Lesotho and Zimbabwe, which would see the three southern African countries work together to organise the tournament.

Uncertainty surrounding AFCON 2027 could affect hosting plans

The process of selecting the 2028 hosts could also be influenced by developments surrounding the previous edition of the competition, which is scheduled to take place in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

Concerns have reportedly emerged over preparations for the 2027 tournament, particularly regarding delays involving the Kenyan national team and the wider organisation of the competition.

According to the reports, CAF has approached South Africa and Egypt about the possibility of taking over hosting responsibilities should an alternative arrangement become necessary.

Algeria, Ivory Coast and Morocco have also been mentioned among the countries that could potentially be considered as alternative hosts.

However, CAF president Patrice Motsepe has continued to publicly maintain that the organisation is not considering another hosting arrangement for the 2027 competition.

The three East African countries remain the designated hosts, despite the speculation surrounding the preparations.

With the 2027 hosting situation still attracting attention and two countries already officially expressing interest in the following edition, the organisation of AFCON 2028 is gradually becoming a major talking point in African football.

For now, the proposed dates, qualification arrangements and final tournament format remain subject to approval, while the identity of the eventual hosts is yet to be decided.