Libya has officially submitted its candidacy to host one of the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournaments in 2028, 2032, or 2036, according to a statement from the Libyan Football Federation (LFF) on July 20, 2026. The bid was presented to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) as part of a broader effort to revive the country's sports infrastructure and international standing.
The LFF confirmed that the bid includes plans to renovate existing stadiums and build new facilities in cities such as Tripoli and Benghazi. Libya has not hosted a major continental tournament since the 1982 Africa Cup of Nations, which it co-hosted with Algeria. The country's football scene has been disrupted by years of political instability and conflict.
CAF is expected to evaluate bids from multiple countries, including potential joint bids, before announcing the hosts for the 2028, 2032, and 2036 tournaments. The decision will be based on infrastructure, security, and organizational capacity. Libya's bid faces competition from other African nations, though specific rival bids have not been publicly detailed as of this report.
The move is seen as part of Libya's broader efforts to normalize international relations and attract investment. However, security concerns remain a key challenge, as the country continues to grapple with sporadic violence and political divisions. CAF has not yet set a timeline for the decision.
