Algeria steps away from next Africa Cup of Nations hosting race

Algeria has decided not to bid for any of the next three editions of the Africa Cup of Nations, with the tournaments scheduled for 2028, 2031 and 2033.

According to Algerian newspaper Echorouk News, as reported by Afrik-Foot, the country has closed its file on a potential hosting bid and does not intend to seek the competition during the next seven years.

The decision comes as the early outline of the race to stage future editions begins to emerge, following the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) changes to the tournament calendar.

Libya and Ethiopia in contention for 2028

Libya and Ethiopia are currently the only countries competing to host the 2028 tournament, which could be played between 7 June and 19 July that year.

Egypt has expressed an interest in staging the competition, while a joint bid from South Africa, Lesotho and Zimbabwe has also been discussed. However, neither has yet been formally submitted.

Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have declared their intention to host the 2031 edition. Senegal could join the bidding process at a later stage.

The 2031 tournament was brought forward by one year after the latest changes to the competition schedule. No bid has yet been announced for the 2033 Africa Cup of Nations.

CAF changes tournament cycle again

CAF president Patrice Motsepe announced in December 2025 that the Africa Cup of Nations was expected to move to a four-year cycle. In July, the organisation opened the bidding process for the 2028, 2032 and 2036 editions under that proposed system.

CAF later reversed that decision, announcing on 30 October that the tournament would return to being held every two years. The three editions after the 2027 competition are therefore scheduled for 2028, 2031 and 2033.

2027 uncertainty could alter plans

There are concerns over whether Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania will be ready to host the 2027 tournament next summer, with preparation work reportedly behind schedule less than a year before the competition begins.

If the event is moved away from the three host nations, the hosting plans for subsequent editions could be redrawn. Egypt or South Africa could return to consideration, particularly amid reports that CAF has contacted both countries about potentially taking over the 2027 tournament.

Motsepe has, however, formally denied that CAF intends to move the competition from Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

Algeria previously entered the race to host the 2025 and 2027 editions but withdrew just two days before the winning hosts were announced.

The country was also reported to have been among those contacted about staging the 2027 tournament, alongside Morocco, which hosted the most recent edition between December 2025 and January 2026, and Cote d’Ivoire, hosts of the previous tournament in January and February 2024.