Morocco has formally submitted a bid to host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2028, setting the stage for a competitive selection process that includes rival bids from Ethiopia and a joint South Africa–Botswana proposal. The final decision on the host nation is expected to be confirmed this weekend by the CAF Executive Committee.
The bid comes hot on the heels of one of the most dramatic and controversial editions of the tournament in recent memory-the AFCON 2025 hosted by Morocco. The competition, held across several cities in the kingdom, ended with a final headline-grabbing not only for football but also the intensity of scenes both on and off the pitch.
Against Senegal, Morocco lost the final match 1-0 after extra time in a highly charged game. A number of controversial decisions, including a disputed late penalty and refusals to give goals, saw protests from the Senegalese, and scenes of unrest were aired worldwide. The refereeing and overall management of those critical moments prompted CAF disciplinary action and fines against both national teams and suspensions for players and officials involved in unsporting conduct during the match.
The aftermath of the final saw the Royal Moroccan Football Federation lodge formal complaints with CAF and FIFA over aspects of how events unfolded, particularly related to the walk-off by the Senegal team during the closing stages of the match. These developments more than once brought intense debate to social media and sports forums across the continent, highlighting tensions that went beyond the scoreline.
Earlier in the tournament, CAF also opened investigations into alleged unacceptable behaviour during other matches, including incidents involving players, officials, and media representatives. These investigations were a reflection of the increased scrutiny over matters of conduct during large continental engagements and the general expectations for professionalism in African football.
Nevertheless, it is also important to point out the fact that in the midst of the controversy, some of the strengths of the hosting capacity of Morocco were also brought out during the 2025 edition of the AFCON. This is also attributed to the fact that the appeal of hosting the AFCON is the investment in the construction of stadiums and facilities, as well as the 2030 World Cup, which will be co-hosted with Spain and Portugal.
This bidding process for AFCON 2028 therefore makes Morocco compete with other countries that are eyeing the same tournament at a crucial turning point of the CAF calendar evolution. However, from 2028, AFCON will adopt a four-yearly routine, escalating its level of importance. Ethiopia, which has historic AFCON hosting experience but lacks CAF-approved stadiums, plans to build infrastructure for the event, while the combined South Africa–Botswana bid represents a strong joint effort from southern Africa.
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As the CAF Executive Committee prepares to announce the host nation, the achievements and controversies from the 2025 competition are certain to influence discussions among African football’s decision-makers. Whether Morocco’s bid succeeds, the interest underscores the kingdom’s continued role at the center of African football, shaped by both its ambitions and the recent dramatic arc of continental competition.
