Rabat – Senegal has begun formal preparations to submit a bid to host the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in 2032, according to Sports Minister Khady Diène Gaye.
Speaking at the National Assembly yesterday, Gaye confirmed that government bodies and sporting authorities are working on a complete application to present to the Confederation of African Football (CAF).
She clarified that 2032 is the target year for hosting the tournament, not the year for filing documents. “Senegal is preparing its candidacy to host the Africa Cup of Nations.
Work is underway to ensure all required standards are met,” she said.
Senegal last staged AFCON in 1992. The new bid comes as CAF transitions the competition to a four‑year cycle, beginning with the 2028 edition.
The 2027 tournament will be organized jointly by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, reflecting CAF’s willingness to consider both single‑nation and multi‑nation hosts.
The minister explained that the early announcement is intended to give Senegal time to prepare infrastructure, logistics, and facilities that meet CAF’s criteria.
The bid is presented as a structured effort, with work already underway to align with organizational standards.
Senegal’s declaration places it among the potential candidates for AFCON 2032. The decision will ultimately depend on CAF’s evaluation of the bid and the competition from other countries.
For now, the process signals the start of preparations for a possible return of the tournament to Dakar and other Senegalese cities after four decades.
