Quick Summary: Libya Enters Race to Host AFCON 2028, 2032 or 2036
- Libya has expressed its intention to bid for the hosting rights to AFCON in 2028, 2032 or 2036.
- CAF invited all 54 member associations to submit individual or joint bids for the three tournaments.
- Libya is expected to prepare a detailed hosting proposal covering stadiums, transportation, accommodation, security and tournament logistics.
- CAF says its new bidding framework is designed to provide a transparent, credible and ethical host-selection process.
- The hosts of AFCON 2028, 2032 and 2036 had not been publicly confirmed at the time of the announcement.
- Libya previously hosted the Africa Cup of Nations in 1982 and would bring the competition back after more than four decades if selected.
Libya has entered the race to host a future Africa Cup of Nations as the country targets the 2028, 2032 or 2036 edition of Africa’s leading international football tournament.
The Libyan Football Federation has expressed its interest in securing the hosting rights and is expected to begin preparing a comprehensive bid for submission to the Confederation of African Football.
CAF officially invited its 54 member associations to submit bids for AFCON 2028, 2032 and 2036. Countries may bid individually or work together on joint hosting proposals.
Libya Targets Three Future AFCON Tournaments
Libya’s expression of interest gives the federation flexibility to compete for one of three available editions rather than limiting its campaign to a single tournament.
A successful bid would return AFCON to Libya for the first time since 1982, when the country hosted the competition and reached the final before losing to Ghana on penalties.
The bid is expected to require government guarantees and detailed plans addressing:
- Stadium construction and renovation
- Training facilities
- Airports and ground transportation
- Hotels and team accommodation
- Security arrangements
- Medical services
- Broadcasting infrastructure
- Supporter and tournament logistics
The Libyan Football Federation will need to demonstrate that the country can meet CAF’s technical, financial and organizational requirements before it can be considered for hosting rights.
CAF Opens New AFCON Bidding Process
CAF announced its latest bidding framework in July 2026 and invited every member association representing Africa’s 54 football nations to participate.
The governing body said the framework was developed with support from PwC and technical, financial and legal advisers. According to CAF, the system is intended to establish a transparent, credible and ethical process for evaluating host candidates.
CAF has not yet publicly announced which countries will host AFCON 2028, 2032 or 2036 under this selection process.
The availability of three editions may encourage more national federations to apply because unsuccessful candidates for one tournament could potentially be considered for a later edition.
Which Countries Could Compete Against Libya?
Earlier reporting identified Ethiopia, Morocco and a joint Botswana–South Africa proposal among the parties interested in staging AFCON 2028.
CAF’s renewed invitation means the final field of candidates could change as member associations reconsider their preferred tournament years or prepare new joint bids.
Libya will therefore need to demonstrate that its stadiums, transportation network and operational plans can compete with established football nations and previous major-event hosts.
Why Libya Wants to Host AFCON Again
Hosting AFCON could allow Libya to accelerate improvements to its sporting and transportation infrastructure while raising the country’s profile across African and international football.
A successful tournament could also deliver economic opportunities through:
- International tourism
- Hotel and hospitality demand
- Transportation services
- Sponsorship and advertising
- Stadium development
- Temporary and permanent employment
- Increased investment in domestic football
Libya’s recent experience organizing regional youth football events may support its argument that the country is capable of rebuilding its major-event hosting credentials.
However, regional tournament experience alone will not guarantee success. CAF’s assessment is expected to examine the country’s facilities, security arrangements, government support and ability to deliver a competition involving teams and supporters from across Africa.
When Will the AFCON Hosts Be Announced?
CAF has not provided a final public date for announcing the hosts of AFCON 2028, 2032 and 2036.
The organization said additional announcements regarding its national-team competitions would be made in due course.
Before any final decision, bidding countries are expected to submit documentation and undergo technical, financial and operational evaluations.
CAF may also conduct inspection visits to proposed stadiums, training centers, airports, hotels and other tournament facilities.
Who Will Host AFCON 2027?
AFCON 2027 is scheduled to be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.
The tournament is currently set to take place from June 19 to July 17, 2027. The host selection discussed in Libya’s bid concerns the editions beginning in 2028 and does not replace the East African hosting arrangement for 2027.
Could Libya Win the AFCON Hosting Bid?
Libya has football history, an established supporter base and previous AFCON hosting experience, but its success will depend on the strength of its final dossier.
The country must present clear and achievable plans rather than relying only on its historical connection to the competition. Stadium readiness, transportation, accommodation, security and government guarantees are likely to be central to CAF’s evaluation.
Competition from Morocco, Ethiopia, South Africa, Botswana and any additional applicants could make the selection process highly competitive.
For now, Libya’s entry confirms that it wants to become part of CAF’s long-term hosting plans and bring the Africa Cup of Nations back to the country after more than four decades.
Source: Open external resource
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