Proposed dates emerge for 2028 Africa Cup of Nations

A provisional schedule has been drawn up for the qualifying campaign and finals of the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations, although it has yet to be approved by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) executive committee.

The host country or countries for the 37th edition of the tournament are still unknown. However, the proposed timetable, reported by journalist Micky Jnr, sets out dates for each stage of the competition.

The preliminary round is scheduled for 7 to 15 June. It would involve the 12 lowest-ranked national teams in Africa, with the ties played over two legs.

The group stage of qualifying could then take place during the international windows in September-October and November 2027. Four rounds are proposed between 20 September and 5 October 2027, followed by the final two rounds from 8 to 16 November.

A total of 48 teams would take part in that stage of the qualification process.

The tournament itself is provisionally expected to run from 7 June to 10 July 2028. It would feature 28 nations, which would represent a first in the history of the Africa Cup of Nations.

Host candidates

Two countries have officially confirmed their interest in staging the tournament: Libya and Ethiopia.

Libya previously hosted the competition in 1982, while Ethiopia has organised the Africa Cup of Nations three times, in 1962, 1968 and 1976.

Egypt has expressed an intention to bid but has not yet formally submitted its candidacy. A joint proposal involving South Africa, Lesotho and Zimbabwe is also reportedly being prepared.

The final list of candidates could be influenced by whether the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations remains in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

Concerns have been raised over delays affecting the “Pamoja” bid, and CAF is reported to have approached South Africa and Egypt about potentially taking over the hosting responsibilities. Algeria, Cote d’Ivoire and Morocco are also understood to be among the countries considered for that role.

CAF president Patrice Motsepe has nevertheless continued to state publicly that no alternative hosting arrangement is being considered for the 2027 tournament.