A historic milestone has been reached for football in the Sahel region. The Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger football federations have officially secured the preliminary endorsement of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) to co-host the 2032 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN). This approval, granted in New York on July 18, marks the first formal step in a long journey toward transforming the trio’s shared vision into reality.
The three nations, members of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), presented their joint interest declaration to CAF President Patrice Motsepe. Representing their federations were Colonel Oumarou Sawadogo (Burkina Faso), Mahamadou Cissé (Mali), and Issaka Adamou (Niger). Their diplomatic and sporting ambitions converged in a symbolic gesture, signaling a new chapter in regional collaboration.
What does this CAF validation really mean?
While the news is cause for celebration, it represents only a procedural milestone. According to CAF’s candidacy regulations (Article 7.3), the declaration of interest is a mandatory administrative prerequisite. It confirms that the dossier is formally registered and eligible to proceed—but does not guarantee selection. The evaluation now shifts to technical feasibility: stadium infrastructure, accommodation capacity, transportation networks, and above all, security conditions across all three host nations.
Why is CAF planning three CAN editions at once?
In early July 2026, the CAF launched simultaneous calls for bids for the 2028, 2032, and 2036 editions. This forward-planning strategy allows member associations ample time to develop robust, sustainable candidacies. For the AES trio, this extended timeline is essential. It provides the breathing space needed to address critical gaps in stadium development, hotel networks, and public transport—especially in regions facing ongoing security challenges.
A model borrowed from East Africa
The concept of a three-nation co-hosting arrangement is not new to CAF. Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania are already preparing to jointly host the 2027 CAN. That precedent offers valuable lessons for the Sahel bid. By pooling resources and sharing existing infrastructure, the Burkina Faso–Mali–Niger alliance can reduce costs and accelerate preparation—provided each country meets the required standards.
Football as a pillar of Sahel unity
This joint candidacy reflects a broader geopolitical shift. Since severing ties with ECOWAS, the military-led governments in Ouagadougou, Bamako, and Niamey have intensified collaboration across sectors—from monetary policy to regional diplomacy. A successful CAN bid would serve as a powerful platform to showcase Sahel resilience and unity on the world stage. Yet it also carries risks: ongoing armed attacks in Niger and Mali in mid-July 2026 underscore the security realities the CAF will scrutinize in the coming months.
The road ahead: infrastructure, security, and credibility
The CAN 2032 dossier is far from complete. Over the next six years, the three federations—working closely with their governments—must deliver on ambitious promises. This includes constructing or upgrading stadiums to CAF standards, expanding hotel capacity, and ensuring safe, reliable transport links. The CAF’s final decision will hinge not on declarations made in New York, but on tangible progress on the ground.
The 2032 tournament could become more than a football competition. It may emerge as a testament to the Sahel’s ability to turn political and economic cooperation into a global showcase—if the region can rise to the challenge.
