Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have officially submitted a joint bid to host the 2032 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), according to the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The three Sahel nations, all members of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), are positioning themselves as a unified bloc to challenge more established football nations.
However, their bid faces stiff competition. Morocco, Algeria, and Egypt have also expressed interest in hosting the tournament, with Morocco having recently co-hosted the 2030 FIFA World Cup alongside Spain and Portugal. CAF is expected to announce the host country or countries in late 2026 or early 2027.
The Sahel states' bid is considered ambitious given their limited infrastructure and ongoing security challenges. According to a 2025 report by the African Development Bank, the three countries have a combined GDP of less than $60 billion, and their stadiums and transport networks would require significant investment to meet CAF standards.
Despite these hurdles, the joint bid is seen as a political statement by the AES, which has moved to strengthen ties and reduce dependence on traditional partners. Football analysts note that a successful bid would boost regional integration and provide a major economic stimulus.
CAF has not yet commented on the feasibility of the bid, but sources indicate that a technical inspection team may visit the three countries in early 2027 if the bid is shortlisted.
