Military-led governments in Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso are seeking to co-host the 2032 Africa Cup of Nations. The Malian Football Federation announced that representatives held discussions with Confederation of African Football (CAF) president Patrice Motsepe in New York to formalize their interest in the tournament.
These neighboring nations, which form the Alliance of Sahel States, currently face significant security challenges due to ongoing violence from militant groups. Despite the regional instability, the federations describe the meeting with CAF as a crucial step toward meeting the formal requirements for the bidding process. Their objective is to present a credible, modern vision for the tournament.
Hosting experience varies among the three countries. Burkina Faso held the event in 1998, and Mali was the host in 2002, whereas Niger has never staged the competition. Infrastructure readiness remains a key focus: Mali currently has five certified venues, Burkina Faso recently updated its primary stadium in Ouagadougou, and Niger is currently upgrading the General Seyni Kountche Stadium to meet international standards after a multi-year ban. The next edition of the tournament is scheduled to take place in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda in 2027.
