Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger unite in historic bid to host the 2032 Africa Cup of Nations
Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have officially launched a joint bid to host the 2032 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), marking a significant milestone in the growing regional cooperation between the three Sahel nations. The proposal, submitted following the Confederation of African Football’s (CAF) invitation for host applications for the 2028, 2032 and 2036 editions of Africa’s premier football tournament, reflects the countries’ ambition to position themselves as a united force capable of delivering one of the continent’s biggest sporting events.
The joint candidature represents the first major continental sporting initiative undertaken by the three countries since they established the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), a regional bloc created to strengthen cooperation in security, infrastructure, trade, economic development and regional integration after their departure from the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
According to the Malian Football Federation (Femafoot), the bid is founded on the principles of solidarity, regional integration and the sustainable development of African football. The federation noted that it would collaborate closely with the governments and relevant stakeholders across the three nations to prepare a comprehensive and competitive proposal capable of presenting a fresh vision for the future of African football.
The announcement has attracted considerable attention across the continent, particularly as Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger are currently governed by military administrations. Despite the political landscape, CAF President Patrice Motsepe has stressed that the governing body will evaluate every bid fairly and transparently, insisting that no country would be disadvantaged because of its system of government.
Speaking after a preliminary meeting with football officials from the three nations in New York ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup final, Motsepe acknowledged that security would remain a critical factor during the evaluation process but emphasized that the bid would receive equal consideration alongside all competing proposals.
He explained that while safety, infrastructure, ease of travel and the protection of supporters remain essential requirements for hosting AFCON, CAF’s Executive Committee, not the president alone, will make the final decision based on governance standards, transparency and the ability of host nations to successfully organize the tournament.
The security situation in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger continues to present challenges due to persistent attacks by armed extremist groups. Nevertheless, the three governments have intensified regional cooperation while strengthening diplomatic and security partnerships outside their traditional Western allies.
The countries have also accelerated efforts to deepen collaboration beyond security. The AES has introduced initiatives aimed at strengthening regional communication, including plans to establish joint media platforms. Burkina Faso’s transitional parliament recently approved the creation of Daande Liptako Radio and Tafouk TV, two regional broadcasters expected to promote the alliance’s shared vision and enhance information exchange among member states.
From a football perspective, both Burkina Faso and Mali possess previous experience in staging the continental championship, having hosted the Africa Cup of Nations in 1998 and 2002 respectively. Niger, although yet to host the tournament, would make history as part of the proposed three-nation partnership.
The concept of multiple host nations is also becoming increasingly familiar within African football. The 2027 AFCON, scheduled to take place in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, will be the first edition to be jointly hosted by three countries, potentially paving the way for future regional collaborations such as the AES proposal.
CAF has indicated that interest in hosting future editions of AFCON has been exceptionally strong, with Motsepe revealing that the organization has received several competitive bids. The governing body is also considering expanding the tournament from 24 to 28 participating teams after the 2028 edition, when the competition is expected to transition to a four-year cycle.
If successful, the Burkina Faso-Mali-Niger bid would not only bring Africa’s biggest football competition back to the Sahel but also showcase the region’s commitment to unity, infrastructure development and sporting excellence. It would represent a powerful symbol of regional cooperation, demonstrating how football continues to serve as a catalyst for integration, economic growth and continental solidarity.
