Four COSAFA Nations Advance Ambitious Joint Bid To Host 2028 Africa Cup of Nations

Posted : 19 May 2026

Four member associations from the Council of Southern Africa Football Associations (COSAFA) have formalized their plans to co-host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Newly elected COSAFA President Tariq Babitseng confirmed that South Africa, Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Namibia successfully submitted their joint bid documents before the specification deadline set by the Confederation of African Football (CAF).

The regional proposal layout positions South Africa as the primary host nation. South Africa will stage the grand opening ceremony, the knockout rounds, and the final match due to its superior stadium infrastructure. Meanwhile, neighboring partners Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Namibia will host selected group-stage fixtures.

The multi-nation initiative aligns directly with recent structural guidelines from the continent's governing body. During a recent executive assembly in Rabat, CAF President Patrice Motsepe explicitly encouraged regional zones to pull resources together for major tournaments. This collective strategy aims to reduce individual financial burdens while accelerating infrastructure development across neighboring borders.

The 2028 showpiece carries immense historical significance for the continent. It marks the final tournament before CAF officially transitions the competition into a quadrennial event. Southern African football authorities are highly optimistic about their chances of securing the hosting rights. The zone has not hosted the premier tournament since South Africa stepped in as hosts for the 2013 edition.

The four nations possess strong political backing and geographical advantages, sharing interconnected transport routes. South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Namibia are already working together on international sporting logistics; the three countries are scheduled to co-host the 2027 Cricket World Cup next year. Zimbabwe's inclusion comes amidst a massive national drive to renovate domestic stadiums to meet strict CAF safety standards.

COSAFA face stiff competition from other parts of the continent to land the tournament. Record holders Morocco and East African heavyweights Ethiopia have also submitted independent bids to host the 2028 showpiece. The CAF Executive Committee is expected to evaluate all formal bids and infrastructure inspections before announcing the winning host country.

Four COSAFA Nations Advance Ambitious Joint Bid To Host 2028 Africa Cup of Nations

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