CAN: Guinea candidate for the 2032 and 2036 editions

The government of Guinea has officially submitted its candidacy for hosting the 2032 and 2036 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) tournaments, according to a statement released by Prime Minister Amadou Oury Bah’s office on Friday, August 21. The announcement was made through a government communiqué transmitted to AFP, confirming that the prime minister signed the formal application for the country's bid to host these two editions of the continent’s premier football competition. Guinea’s bid comes amid ongoing efforts to improve its sporting infrastructure and meet the requirements set by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). The government claims that the dossier presented includes a thorough analysis of the logistical and financial demands necessary to organize such a high-profile international event. This initiative aligns with the vision of President Mamadi Doumbouya, who came to power following a military coup in 2021 and was elected president in December 2025. His administration aims to position Guinea as a hub for major international sports events. The decision follows the temporary authorization granted by the CAF to the Stade du 28-September in Conakry, which allows the national team, the Syli National, to once again play home matches before their fans. This marks a significant step forward for Guinea’s football infrastructure, as the stadium had been unavailable since 2022 due to technical issues. Guinea has never hosted a final round of the CAN, and its national team has not participated in the last two editions of the tournament. Their best result in the competition was reaching the final, where they lost on penalties to Morocco after a draw in 1976 in Addis Ababa. The upcoming CAN 2025 will take place in Morocco, followed by the 2027 edition, which will be jointly organized by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania. The 2028 edition, however, has yet to be assigned. Starting from 2028, the CAN will be held every four years instead of every two, matching the frequency of other FIFA competitions. This change is part of broader reforms aimed at modernizing the tournament’s structure and increasing its global appeal. Meanwhile, three West African nations, Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso, are already expressing interest in co-hosting the 2032 edition of the CAN. Despite facing security challenges related to jihadist violence, these countries have shown commitment to organizing the event. Their combined bid could represent a significant shift in the distribution of hosting responsibilities across the region. For Guinea, securing the 2032 and 2036 CAN bids would mark a historic milestone, offering both economic opportunities and a chance to elevate the nation’s profile on the international stage. However, the country must continue addressing infrastructural gaps and ensuring stability in its political and security environments to support such ambitious plans. As the CAF continues its evaluation process, the future of the CAN calendar remains under review. With multiple nations vying for hosting rights, the outcome of this bidding process will shape the trajectory of African football for decades to come. For now, Guinea’s submission represents a bold step toward realizing its ambitions in international sports.