Morocco is keeping us waiting for the 2028 AFCON

While speculation is intensifying on the potential host countries for the 2028 edition, an authoritative source within the Moroccan federal body indicated that "there is nothing official so far". This wait-and-see position, which is neither a formal denial nor a confirmation, leaves doubts about the Kingdom’s intentions, a few weeks after the tensions arising from the controversial final of the 2025 AFCON.

Despite this diplomatic vagueness, several sources claim that the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has already received three separate bids. In addition to the Moroccan hypothesis, Ethiopia as well as a joint bid led by South Africa and Botswana would be in the running to host the continental competition under its new format.

The uncertainty could be lifted as early as this Friday during the CAF Executive Committee meeting. The African football leaders are to examine the future of the upcoming competitions, but also to rule on sensitive issues inherited from the last edition, including the reforms related to refereeing and discipline that had fractured relations with Rabat.

Beyond the allocation of the 2028 AFCON, this working session promises to be decisive for the short-term sports calendar. The fate of the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled to take place on Moroccan soil, is at the top of the agenda, with an increasing probability of postponement suggested by the Moroccan federation.