South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe have officially submitted a joint bid to host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations tournament. The four Southern African nations are seeking to co-host the continent's premier football competition, a significant move that could see the event spread across multiple countries in the region. Their joint proposal for the 2028 edition marks a substantial collaborative effort among the neighboring states, aiming to bring the prestigious tournament to a broader geographic area within Southern Africa. This ambitious undertaking by South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe represents a powerful statement of regional cooperation and shared vision for sports development.
The Joint Bid Details
The four-nation bid for the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations was formally submitted by the established deadline, signaling their serious intent and readiness to undertake such a large-scale event. This collaborative effort follows a growing trend of multi-nation hosting agreements in major sports events worldwide. For instance, in Europe, England, Scotland, Wales, and Ireland are slated to jointly host the 2028 European Championship, demonstrating a similar approach to continental football tournaments. South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe are already scheduled to co-host the 2027 Cricket World Cup, showcasing prior experience in large-scale sporting event partnerships among some of the bidding nations. This existing partnership for the Cricket World Cup provides a tangible precedent for the logistical and coordinative capabilities required for a multi-country hosting model. The inclusion of Botswana in this new bid further expands the regional cooperation, noting a united front from the Southern African Development Community (SADC) members.
Southern Africa's Hosting History
South Africa and Angola are the only Southern African countries to have previously hosted the Africa Cup of Nations. South Africa has hosted the tournament on two occasions, first in 1996 and then again in 2013, successfully managing the complexities of such a large-scale event. Angola staged the continental championship in 2010, marking another instance of a Southern African nation taking on the mantle of host. These two nations stand as the sole representatives from the Southern African region to have held the prominent football event, providing valuable experience and infrastructure that could complement the current joint bid. The proposed 2028 tournament, if successful, would significantly expand the number of Southern African hosts, bringing the event to nations that have not yet had the opportunity to stage it independently.
Co-Hosting Precedents
Co-hosting major sporting events has become a more common practice globally, reflecting a shift towards shared responsibilities and resources. In Asia, four nations collaboratively hosted the 2007 AFC Asian Cup, demonstrating a successful multi-country approach to continental football tournaments. This model has also been adopted in Europe, where the 2020 European Championship was uniquely staged across 11 different countries, distributing matches widely and engaging a broader audience. Such precedents highlight a growing trend towards shared responsibilities and expanded geographic reach for major international competitions, making the Southern African bid a timely and relevant proposal in the current global sporting landscape. The collaborative effort allows for the sharing of financial burdens, infrastructure development, and the overall promotion of football across a wider region.
Bidder Statements
The joint bid by the four nations – South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, and Zimbabwe – could mark the first instance of four countries co-hosting the Africa Cup of Nations tournament on the continent, setting a new precedent for continental football. This pioneering aspect shows the ambition and cooperative spirit behind the proposal. The trend towards multi-nation hosting is further evidenced by the fact that Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania are scheduled to host the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, indicating a clear direction for future tournaments. The proposed 2028 tournament follows a period where the last three Africa Cup of Nations events were held in Central, West, and North Africa, making a return to the Southern African region a significant prospect. This rotation of hosting responsibilities across different regions of Africa is seen as beneficial for the development and popularization of football throughout the continent.
