Ethiopia makes official bid to host Africa Cup of Nations in 2028

Ethiopia has officially submitted a proposal to host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations, confirming the nation's readiness to host Africa's premier footballing event. The Ethiopian Football Federation highlights that their government backs the bid. Ethiopia boasts a rich tournament history, having competed in the inaugural competition in 1957 and hosting the event three times previously in 1962, 1968, and 1976.

The national team won the trophy in 1962, their only victory in the competition. However, the team currently ranks 143rd globally and 43rd in Africa, and they have only qualified for the continental showcase three times since their last hosting, with their most recent appearance in the 2021 edition.

The primary obstacle to hosting the 2028 tournament lies in stadium infrastructure. Ethiopia currently has only one stadium approved by the Confederation of African Football, the 52,000-seat Bahir Dar Stadium in the north. A new international sports complex, Adey Abeba International Stadium in Addis Ababa, is under construction and slated to be completed next year, which could serve as the main venue.

However, three other proposed regional facilities are still at much earlier stages and will require substantial work to meet strict requirements in time. Many existing regional facilities fall short of Confederation of African Football or FIFA standards.

Beyond stadium upgrades, hosting the event requires various logistical and security considerations. Adequate training facilities, gyms, high-quality accommodation, and entertainment venues must be provided, along with reliable urban transport systems to move teams and fans smoothly. Security is another critical concern, as while the capital city is relatively safe, several regions still experience armed conflict and political unrest.

Overcoming these multifaceted security challenges alongside stringent infrastructure demands will determine the bid's success.