Egypt Bids to Host U-23 Africa Cup of Nations on the Road to the 2028 Olympics

9/8/2026
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By: Assem Magdy
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Egypt has begun efforts to host one of the continent’s most important tournaments for the future of Olympic football, after the Egyptian Football Association formally submitted a request to the Confederation of African Football to host the Africa U-23 Cup of Nations finals, which serve as a qualifier for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games.

The move reflects the Egyptian Football Association’s desire to secure the right to organize the tournament, which is scheduled, according to the proposed timetable, to take place in November 2027, giving Egypt another opportunity to host a major African football event on its home soil.

Bid to Host the Tournament

The Egyptian Football Association submitted its hosting request several months ago, with its bid relying on Egypt’s experience in organizing continental competitions, as well as its infrastructure, sports facilities and organizational capabilities needed to host major events.

Egypt’s bid has also received government support, with the Minister of Youth and Sports providing the required government commitment to back the Egyptian federation’s hosting request as part of joint efforts to strengthen the bid.

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The tournament carries particular importance because it is linked to qualification for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Hosting the competition would therefore represent more than an organizational opportunity, as the Egyptian Football Association seeks to provide the national teams with the best possible conditions for preparation and improve their chances in continental and international competitions.

A Plan for the National Teams

Egypt’s bid to host the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations is part of its broader efforts to stage regional and continental competitions. The country is also preparing to host the North African U-20 tournament, which serves as a qualifier for the Africa Cup of Nations finals, from September 21 to October 6, 2026.

The Egyptian Football Association considers hosting these competitions part of a strategy aimed at developing the national teams, providing them with better preparation and competitive opportunities, and benefiting from major tournaments to support the development of Egyptian football.

As the process for selecting the host of the U-23 Africa Cup of Nations continues, Egypt is pressing ahead with its efforts to secure the right to organize the tournament, relying on its experience in hosting African competitions and the capabilities presented in its bid.