Libya Officially Enters Race to Host AFCON 2028, 2032 or 2036 for the First Time in 44 Years

Rabat – Libya has officially launched its bid to host a future edition of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), submitting a formal letter to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) expressing its interest in organizing the continental tournament in 2028, 2032 or 2036.

According to the Libyan newspaper Alwasat, Libyan Football Federation president Abdelmoula Al-Maghribi confirmed that the letter marks the first official step in the country’s bid process. He said the federation will now begin preparing a comprehensive hosting dossier that meets CAF’s organizational requirements, including stadium readiness, training facilities, transport, accommodation, and other logistical standards.

The decision’s roots 

Al-Maghribi explained that Libya’s decision was encouraged by the successful organization of the UNAF U-20 Championship in Benghazi earlier this year. He described the tournament as proof that the country is capable of hosting major football events while highlighting the development of Libya’s sports infrastructure and the government’s support for staging international competitions.

According to sources within CAF cited by the same Libyan media, around 17 national associations have expressed interest in hosting one of the next three AFCON editions, setting up what is expected to be a highly competitive bidding process. While some countries are preparing joint bids, Libya plans to compete with an individual candidacy.

The Libyan bid is built around the modernization of key venues, including Tripoli International Stadium and Benghazi International Stadium, alongside ongoing sports infrastructure projects across the country.

If successful, Libya would host the Africa Cup of Nations for the second time in its history, having previously staged the tournament in 1982. The bid also represents the country’s ambition to restore its place on the African football map by welcoming one of the continent’s biggest sporting events.