Egypt has officially entered the race to host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), asserting that its superior infrastructure makes it the most capable candidate on the continent.
The Egyptian Ministry of Youth and Sports confirmed its intention, signalling a desire to bring Africa’s flagship football tournament back to the land of the Pharaohs for a record sixth time.
Ministry spokesperson Mohamed El-Shazly stated that Egypt stands “the most ready” to deliver the event.
He argued that the nation’s current array of stadiums, transport networks, and hospitality facilities not only meets African requirements but also aligns with the standards required for a FIFA World Cup.
El-Shazly confirmed that the government has formally instructed the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) to begin the bidding process with the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
The North African giants last hosted the tournament in 2019, an edition widely praised for its seamless organisation and high-level security.
Since then, the Egyptian government has continued to invest in sports cities and transport links, including the New Administrative Capital’s Olympic City.
Officials believe that this existing “plug-and-play” infrastructure gives them a decisive edge over rival bidders, who may need years of construction to achieve the same level of preparedness.
Despite the government’s enthusiasm, the Egyptian FA is adopting a measured approach.
While internal discussions are already underway between ministry officials and football administrators, the EFA plans to wait until the conclusion of the 2025 AFCON in Morocco before submitting the formal paperwork to CAF.
This strategic pause allows the federation to assess the landscape of African football and ensure that their bid is airtight.
The 2028 tournament is more than just another trophy hunt; it marks the beginning of a new four-year cycle for CAF.
For football fans across Africa, an Egyptian bid represents a return to a high-prestige, high-capacity tournament in a region known for its intense passion for the game.
If successful, Egypt would further cement its status as the heartbeat of African football administration and hosting.
