Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have taken an important step in their ambition to host the 2032 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) approved their declaration of interest to stage the tournament jointly.
The decision allows the three West African nations to continue in CAF’s bidding process as they seek to bring Africa’s biggest football competition to the Alliance of Sahel States (AES).
While it does not guarantee hosting rights, it represents the first formal milestone in the selection process.
According to the Nigerien Football Federation (FENIFOOT), CAF’s approval confirms that the joint application satisfies the requirements outlined under Article 7.3 of the governing body’s bidding regulations.
The approval means Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger have successfully completed the initial administrative stage required for prospective hosts and can now move forward with preparations for a full bid.
The latest development marks a significant moment for football in the Sahel region, where the three neighbouring countries are hoping to combine resources and infrastructure in pursuit of hosting one of the continent’s most prestigious sporting events.
The decision follows a working meeting held in New York on 18 July, where CAF president Patrice Motsepe met with the presidents of the football federations of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger.
During the discussions, Motsepe acknowledged the three countries’ shared commitment to presenting a joint proposal for the 2032 tournament.
CAF also encouraged the three federations to continue working within the established bidding procedures as they prepare the next stages of their application.
For the three countries, the approval provides renewed momentum for a project that could strengthen sporting cooperation across the region while showcasing West African football on one of the continent’s biggest stages.
FENIFOOT welcomed the decision, describing it as an important sign that the joint project is progressing through CAF’s official process.
The Nigerien federation believes the initiative demonstrates the determination of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger to work collectively towards organising an Africa Cup of Nations that meets international standards.
Rather than pursuing separate bids, the three nations have opted for a collaborative approach, reflecting their intention to pool expertise and available resources as they compete for hosting rights.
The federations now face the more demanding phases of the bidding process, which will require further planning and compliance with CAF’s hosting requirements.
FENIFOOT also confirmed it will continue working closely with authorities and football officials in Burkina Faso and Mali as preparations for the official bid dossier continue.
The cooperation between the three football associations is expected to remain central to the project as they seek to convince CAF that they are capable of staging a successful continental championship.
