Mauritania has expressed strong interest in the idea of co-hosting the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) alongside neighboring countries, particularly Senegal. The proposal, originally put forward by the president of the Senegalese Football Federation (FSF), was reportedly rejected by Guinea, the country officially chosen to host the 2025 edition of the tournament. Despite Guinea’s decision, Mauritania appears open to exploring a joint hosting arrangement, signaling a potential shift in how West African nations collaborate on major football events.
Ahmed Yahya, president of the Football Federation of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania (FFRIM), highlighted his country’s enthusiasm for the initiative during an interview with the Senegalese news agency APS. Speaking on the sidelines of the 5th FFRIM Awards ceremony in Nouakchott, Yahya emphasized the historical, geographical, and economic ties between Mauritania and Senegal. “We are interested in and would welcome co-hosting the tournament with Senegal, with whom we share many ties: history, geography, and numerous economic interests,” he said. His remarks suggest that Mauritania sees co-hosting not only as a sporting opportunity but also as a means to strengthen regional cooperation.
However, Yahya was careful to note that Mauritania’s support does not automatically translate into immediate action. “We are open to it, but the final decision is not ours,” he explained. He stressed that any co-hosting plan would require authorization from the public authorities of both countries, who play a crucial role in approving large-scale investments and infrastructure development. This underscores the complexity of organizing a tournament across national borders, where logistical, financial, and political considerations must be carefully aligned.
Yahya also acknowledged Guinea’s role and emphasized Mauritania’s respect for the country’s rights as the official host of the 2025 AFCON. “All of us—Senegal and Mauritania—respect Guinea. Moreover, we have a good relationship with the Guinean Football Federation,” he added, reflecting a diplomatic approach that seeks to maintain good regional relations while exploring new possibilities.
The concept of co-hosting a continental tournament is not entirely new in African football, but it remains relatively rare. Successful collaboration between nations requires advanced infrastructure, coordinated security measures, and seamless logistical planning to ensure that the tournament runs smoothly. For Mauritania, co-hosting with Senegal could provide a valuable opportunity to accelerate development of stadiums, training facilities, and transportation networks, while showcasing the country on a continental stage.
Mauritania’s interest in joint hosting aligns with broader trends in African football, where regional cooperation and shared responsibilities are increasingly seen as solutions to financial and organizational challenges. By expressing openness to co-hosting, Mauritania signals its ambition to play a more prominent role in continental competitions, while fostering closer ties with neighboring Senegal.
While Guinea remains the official host for 2025, Mauritania’s willingness to engage in discussions about co-hosting sets the stage for potential regional collaboration in future editions of the Africa Cup of Nations. With strong political support and careful planning, co-hosting could emerge as a model for sustainable and inclusive football tournaments in Africa.
