The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially endorsed the joint bid of Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger to host the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) in 2032. This initial endorsement marks a symbolic milestone for the trio of Sahel nations, members of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), as they now turn their attention to proving their readiness in infrastructure and security.
The landmark meeting took place in New York on July 18, where the CAF President Patrice Motsepe met with the presidents of the three national football federations—Colonel Oumarou Sawadogo of Burkina Faso, Mahamadou Cissé of Mali, and Issaka Adamou of Niger. Their joint expression of interest was formally recorded, with the news made public two days later by the Nigerien Football Federation (FENIFOOT) and subsequently shared across the region’s media landscape.
First step, not the final victory
While this approval represents progress, it remains a procedural formality. Under Article 7.3 of the CAF candidature regulations, the three Sahel nations have now met the basic administrative requirement by submitting a joint declaration of interest. This allows their bid to advance, though it does not guarantee eventual hosting rights. According to FENIFOOT, this validation simply clears the way for the next phase of the official bidding process.
Why the CAF is planning three editions ahead
In early July 2026, the CAF launched simultaneous calls for bids for CAN 2028, 2032, and 2036, inviting all 54 member associations to participate. By adopting this long-term approach, the continental body aims to give federations ample time to develop robust and sustainable proposals.
For the 2032 edition, however, the CAF has yet to set a final decision date. The feasibility assessment will focus heavily on the readiness of host infrastructure—stadiums, hotels, and transportation networks—in each of the three countries. The evaluation will determine whether the Sahel bid can meet international standards.
A tri-nation East African precedent
This is not the first time the CAF has entertained a joint hosting arrangement. Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania are already preparing to co-host CAN 2027, setting a regional precedent that the Burkina Faso–Mali–Niger alliance could emulate. A three-country partnership may allow the Sahel nations to share existing facilities rather than bear the full financial and logistical burden of a standalone mega-event.
The CAF President has praised the initiative as a model of regional cooperation, while emphasizing the importance of adhering to established procedures, as outlined in a July 2026 FENIFOOT communiqué.
Football as a tool of Sahel diplomacy
The joint bid reflects a broader geopolitical shift. Since severing ties with ECOWAS, the military-led governments in Ouagadougou, Bamako, and Niamey have launched multiple collaborative initiatives to affirm the autonomy of the Sahel bloc—from monetary unions to diplomatic alliances. A successful CAN bid could provide the Alliance of Sahel States with a rare global platform at a time when the region continues to face persistent security challenges. Just days after the New York meeting, the African Union condemned deadly attacks in Niger and Mali on July 17 and 18.
The CAF’s final assessment will weigh heavily on two fronts: the security landscape and the quality of sports, hospitality, and transport infrastructure. Both dimensions will determine whether the Sahel’s bid stands a chance against competing proposals.
Key takeaways from the CAF decision
The July 18 green light represents only the first hurdle—a procedural clearance, not a binding commitment. It does not prejudge the technical feasibility of the dossier, nor does it rule out competition from rival bids. The Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger football federations, in coordination with their respective governments, have vowed to continue refining a technical proposal that fully complies with CAF’s stringent requirements.
The road to CAN 2032 success will be measured not in New York boardrooms, but on the ground—by the trio’s ability to deliver world-class venues, seamless logistics, and enduring security across all match locations. If realized, the tournament could serve as a powerful testament to the Sahel’s capacity to transform political unity into international prestige.
