Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger Jointly Bid to Host the 2032 Africa Cup of Nations
In a move that underscores both sporting ambition and regional cooperation, the football associations of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have submitted a joint bid to host the 2032 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The announcement follows the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) new bidding cycle, which opened for the 2028, 2032 and 2036 editions.
Why a Tri‑National Bid?
The Malian Football Federation explained that the proposal rests on three pillars:
- Solidarity among Sahelian nations
- Regional integration through sport
- Sustainable development of football infrastructure
The federations say they will work closely with their respective governments to assemble a compelling offer that meets CAF’s technical and organisational requirements.
The Alliance of Sahel States (AES)
Last year the three countries withdrew from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and formed the Alliance of Sahel States (AES). The bloc’s primary focus areas are security, trade and infrastructure development. By aligning their AFCON bid with the AES agenda, the nations aim to showcase how sport can complement broader regional goals.
Security: A Central Concern
All three states continue to confront jihadist insurgencies that have displaced thousands and strained governmental resources. In recent years, each government has shifted its security partnerships away from traditional Western allies toward closer cooperation with Russia, a development that has drawn international scrutiny.
When asked whether security guarantees would be a prerequisite for considering the bid, CAF President Patrice Motsepe responded:
“They will have as good a chance as anyone else. They will not be disadvantaged because they are military juntas. However, security issues need to be addressed.”
Motsepe stressed that CAF must “deal with reality” while upholding non‑negotiable principles such as democracy, freedom of expression and the holding of elections. He added that he plans to visit Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger to discuss the football‑specific aspects of the proposal.
CAF’s Host‑Selection Criteria
The final decision on the 2032 host will rest with the CAF Executive Committee, not the president alone. Before awarding the tournament, CAF requires assurances on:
- Fan safety and security
- Freedom of movement for teams, officials and supporters
- Adequate stadiums, training facilities and transport infrastructure
Motsepe noted that CAF has already received “exciting offers” for future AFCON editions and is evaluating whether to expand the competition from 24 to 28 teams starting in 2028.
Historical Context
Burkina Faso previously hosted AFCON in 1998, while Mali welcomed the tournament in 2002. The upcoming 2026 edition will be the first to feature three co‑hosts—Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda—demonstrating CAF’s openness to multi‑nation arrangements.
Beyond the Pitch: Media and Information Cooperation
In tandem with the sporting bid, the AES is strengthening its media presence. On Tuesday, Burkina Faso’s interim parliament approved the launch of two joint channels—Daande Liptako Radio and Tafouk TV—designed to promote alliance initiatives and improve regional information sharing.
Looking Ahead
If successful, the 2032 AFCON would mark a milestone for the Sahel region, highlighting football’s potential to foster unity amid complex security and political landscapes. The bid also reflects a broader trend within African football: the pursuit of collaborative hosting models that spread economic benefits and infrastructure development across borders.
As CAF continues its evaluation process, stakeholders across the continent will watch closely to see how the balance between sporting ambition, security realities, and governance principles is struck.
