The Ethiopian Football Federation has officially submitted its bid to host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN), pressing forward with its continental ambitions despite ongoing armed conflicts and security challenges across key regional states, according to announcements made by the governing body.
With a population nearing 130 million people, the nation aims to bring the tournament back to its soil for the first time in over five decades.
Bid Submission and Government Backing
According to the Ethiopian Football Federation, the official candidacy dossier was filed with CAF, carrying the explicit endorsement of the federal government led by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. The federation stated via social media that the bid fully satisfies tournament requirements and demonstrates that the country stands ready to host African football’s premier showcase.
While the country initially signaled its intent to enter the race earlier in the year, the formal submission makes its aspirations concrete. If successful, it would mark the second time Ethiopia stages the tournament, having last hosted the continental competition back in 1976.
Security Complexities and Regional Conflicts
The bid advances against a backdrop of severe internal security strains. Additionally, rising tensions in the Tigré region heighten concerns over stability, following a devastating 2020–2022 conflict that resulted in hundreds of thousands of deaths.
These persistent security hurdles present a significant test for CAF inspectors assessing host viability.
Infrastructure, Demographics, and Sporting Profile
As Africa’s second most populous nation, Ethiopia boasts substantial scale, anchored by its capital city, Addis Ababa. Sitting more than 2,300 meters above sea level, Addis Ababa serves as the headquarters of the African Union and ranks among the highest elevation capitals in the world.
On the pitch, the national team sits 143rd in the global FIFA rankings out of 211 member associations. The squad’s most recent appearance at the tournament finals occurred during the 2021 edition hosted in Cameroon, where the team exited the competition at the group stage.
Tournament Context and the 2028 Horizon
The timing of the 2028 tournament fits into a broader restructuring of international football calendars. The most recent tournament took place in Morocco during the winter months, while the upcoming 2027 edition will be co-hosted by three East African nations: Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
Beginning with the 2028 event, the competition shifts to a four-year cycle instead of its traditional biennial schedule, aligning directly with FIFA’s global tournament windows.
Next Steps in the Selection Process
With the formal application window progressing, attention turns to CAF to evaluate the technical submissions from interested member associations.
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