Morocco is poised to host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations, a tournament expected to usher in CAF’s new four-year competition cycle. The 2028 edition will come on the heels of the final biennial AFCON, scheduled for 2027 and to be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

The shift to a four-year cycle is aimed at reducing scheduling conflicts with major European competitions such as the UEFA European Championship. While future editions are currently pencilled in for 2032 and 2036, CAF is also considering alternative timelines of 2029, 2033 and 2037 to better align with the global football calendar.

CAF officials have disclosed that the first tournament under the new cycle has yet to attract any formal bids. With just over two years remaining before the competition, several countries are reportedly hesitant due to the short preparation window. Algeria is said to have ruled itself out, leaving Morocco as the leading candidate to step in should no other bids emerge.

Within CAF circles, Morocco is viewed as a potential “saviour” for the 2028 AFCON, thanks to its modern infrastructure, proven hosting experience and readiness to stage major continental events. Should the North African nation be confirmed as host, it would not only guarantee a smooth launch of the four-year cycle but also set the tone for future AFCON tournaments under the revamped format.