Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger submit joint bid to host 2032 AFCON
Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have jointly submitted a bid to host the 2032 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), marking the first collaborative sporting initiative by the three military-led nations under the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
The announcement follows the Confederation of African Football (CAF) opening the bidding process for the 2028, 2032 and 2036 AFCON tournaments.
In a statement, the Malian Football Federation (Femafoot) said the joint bid would be founded on the principles of solidarity, regional integration and the sustainable development of African football. It added that it would work closely with the relevant authorities to prepare a “solid, credible bid” that reflects a fresh vision for the continent’s premier football competition.
Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger formally withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) last year after forming the AES, an alliance aimed at strengthening cooperation in areas including security, infrastructure, trade and economic development.
Despite the bid, the three countries continue to face significant security challenges due to persistent attacks by armed jihadist groups. Their military governments have also shifted away from traditional Western allies in favour of closer ties with Russia.
Speaking to BBC Sport Africa, CAF President Patrice Motsepe said the three nations would receive equal consideration in the bidding process despite concerns over their political leadership.
“They are not going to be disadvantaged or prejudiced by the fact that they are military juntas,” he said, while acknowledging that safety and security would be important factors during the evaluation.
“The questions of safety and security… those are questions that we will have to address. But there’s no decision that has been taken as to where it will go,” Motsepe added.
He stressed that CAF must also “deal with reality,” noting that democracy, freedom of speech and regular elections remain important principles, while indicating he would visit the three countries to engage with them on football-related matters.
Motsepe explained that CAF’s Executive Committee, not the president alone, would decide the hosts of the next three AFCON tournaments.
He said the governing body would assess whether host nations can guarantee the free movement of fans, ensure adequate security and provide the necessary infrastructure required for a successful tournament.
Officials from the football federations of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger met with Motsepe in New York ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final to discuss the bid. The meeting was also attended by Colonel-Major Djibrilla Hima Hamidou, a FIFA Council member and honorary president of Niger’s football federation.
Burkina Faso hosted AFCON in 1998, while Mali staged the tournament in 2002. Meanwhile, the 2027 AFCON in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda will be the first edition jointly hosted by three countries.
CAF has also confirmed that, beginning with the 2028 tournament, AFCON will be held every four years. Motsepe added that the organisation has received several “exciting bids” for future editions and is still considering expanding the competition from 24 to 28 teams.
Beyond football, the AES continues to deepen regional cooperation. On Tuesday, Burkina Faso’s transitional parliament approved plans to establish Daande Liptako Radio and Tafouk TV, joint media platforms intended to promote the alliance’s agenda and strengthen information sharing among member states.
Source: BBC
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