Guinea turns to Senegal as 2032 Africa Cup of Nations bid takes shape

Guinea has formally approached Senegal about jointly hosting the 2032 Africa Cup of Nations, in an effort to strengthen its prospects of staging the continental tournament.

Several Senegalese sources report that the Guinean Football Federation (FEGUIFOOT) has sent an official letter to the Senegalese Football Federation proposing a co-hosting arrangement.

Guinea has already confirmed its interest in organising a future edition of the Africa Cup of Nations. The proposed partnership would bring together two neighbouring countries whose geographical proximity could make it easier to share stadiums, transport networks, logistical resources and other tournament infrastructure.

The letter is also understood to have highlighted the longstanding historical and social ties between Conakry and Dakar. Guinea and Senegal share a border and have deep connections shaped by population movements, close economic relations and cultural links between communities on both sides.

A joint bid could also help the two federations divide the financial burden of a tournament that now requires substantial investment in stadiums, transport, accommodation and wider organisational facilities.

For Guinea, the proposal represents a renewed attempt to secure the right to host the competition. The country had originally been awarded the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, but lost the tournament after failing to meet the required conditions.

Although the Stade du 28 Septembre has recently been approved for use, Guinea still faces major infrastructure requirements if it is to host a future edition of the competition alone.

Senegal would bring stronger existing facilities to a potential joint bid. Its sporting infrastructure is undergoing modernisation, with significant investment linked to the Youth Olympic Games Dakar 2026. The country also has more advanced hotel and tourism facilities than its neighbour.

The possibility of Senegal submitting a bid for the 2032 tournament had already been raised by the country’s authorities. A partnership with Guinea would therefore build on an idea that has previously been considered in Dakar, while giving both nations the opportunity to present a combined proposal.

The potential alliance would not be the only regional bid under consideration. Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have already expressed their intention to submit a joint application under the banner of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).

The contest for the 2032 Africa Cup of Nations could therefore develop into a strongly West African affair, with multiple countries seeking to host the tournament through regional cooperation.

The immediate question is whether Senegal will respond positively to Guinea’s proposal. If Dakar agrees to the plan, the two countries could produce a bid with greater overall strength than Guinea would be able to offer on its own.

Guinea’s approach reflects the country’s desire to revive its hosting ambitions, while Senegal’s infrastructure and experience in preparing for major sporting events could provide the practical foundation needed for a competitive 2032 application.

The decision now rests with the Senegalese Football Federation and the authorities in Dakar.

Louis Mukoma Fargues