Where Africa’s Football Festivals Will Move Next: Potential Host Cities and What to See

Booked only for matches and wondering what else to do? Here’s a one-stop practical map of where Afcon football festivals might land next — and how to build memorable cultural itineraries around every match.

Fans, agents and city planners face a new reality after the Confederation of African Football’s late‑2025 announcement: Afcon will move to a four‑year cycle from 2028. That change makes each tournament a bigger, rarer prize — and it reshapes the economics and strategy of hosting. With fewer windows, countries will push harder to stage larger, tourism‑forward events. For travellers, that means smarter planning, longer stays and higher expectations for host cities to deliver cultural experiences alongside world‑class football.

“From 2028 the tournament will be played every four years rather than every two years.” — CAF announcement, Dec 20, 2025

Why the 2026–2028 cycle changes everything for Afcon hosts and match tourism

Two immediate consequences matter for fans and travel planners in 2026:

• Higher stakes for host selection. With Afcon now quadrennial, hosts will be chosen with an eye to tourism impact, infrastructure legacy and sustainability. Expect more joint bids and regional hub strategies.
• Longer match tourism packages. Tour operators and airlines are already packaging multi‑city itineraries: match weekends + 3–7 day cultural add‑ons to justify the trip and spread visitor spending.

2026 trends shaping likely candidate hosts

• Regional joint hosting — Smaller nations will partner with neighbours to meet stadium and hotel benchmarks.
• Tourism anchor cities — Capitals and coastal hubs with UNESCO sites or natural attractions get priority.
• Sustainability and legacy — CAF and sponsors favour hosts with green stadium commitments and transport plans.
• Air connectivity — Rapid expansion of African carriers (notably Ethiopian Airlines, Air Peace, and new low‑cost entrants) makes once‑remote cities accessible.
• Digital readiness — E‑visas, mobile ticketing and smart stadium tech are non‑negotiable in 2026.

How to use this guide

Below I map realistic candidate cities by region, explain why they’re strong bids in the new quadrennial era, and give practical 2–4 day match‑plus itineraries you can book now. Each city entry includes quick logistics — best match pairing ideas, key attractions, transport tips, likely visa approach in 2026 and a realistic budget range for a 3‑day fan trip (flights extra).

North Africa: Big stadium capacity + UNESCO draws

Casablanca, Morocco

Why a candidate: Morocco has a proven Afcon track record and top‑tier stadiums (e.g., Casablanca’s Stade Mohammed V). Strong tourism infrastructure, direct flights to Europe and North America, and a robust hospitality sector make Casablanca an easy host pick.

Match + Culture (48–72 hours)

1. Day 1: Match at Stade Mohammed V. Evening: Corniche walk and dinner at Rick’s Cafe or local seafood restaurants in Ain Diab.
2. Day 2: Visit Hassan II Mosque, Old Medina, and the Royal Palace exterior. Afternoon train to Rabat if you want a second city (1–1.5 hours).
3. Tips: Buy tickets through CAF official channels, book a hotel in Maarif or Gauthier for nightlife and transport links, and use local tram/taxi apps.

Visa: Morocco offers e‑visas or visa‑free access to many nationalities — check 2026 updates. Budget estimate (3 days): midrange US$250–450 per person for hotels + local spending.

Marrakech, Morocco

Why a candidate: International airport capacity and a tourism profile that pairs well with festival atmospheres — perfect for fans wanting souks after a game.

Match + Culture

1. Day 1: Match + evening at Jemaa el‑Fna square — street food and performers.
2. Day 2: Morning at Bahia Palace and Majorelle Garden; afternoon half‑day Atlas Mountains trip for hiking or a village visit.
3. Tips: Combine match tickets with a riad stay for atmosphere; hire a licensed guide for medina navigation.

Cairo & Alexandria, Egypt

Why candidates: Egypt’s stadiums, hospitality and iconic cultural inventory (pyramids, museums) make Cairo a top bid for any high‑profile event. Alexandria is an ideal co‑host for coastal match tourism.

Match + Culture (Cairo)

1. Day 1: Match in Cairo (New Administrative Capital or Cairo International Stadium). Night cruise on the Nile or local gourmet scene in Zamalek.
2. Day 2: Pyramids of Giza, Sphinx and the Grand Egyptian Museum. Evening: Khan el‑Khalili bazaar.

Visa & logistics: E‑visa widely available in 2026; book museum timed slots in advance. Budget estimate (3 days): US$300–600 midrange.

West Africa: Passionate crowds and coastal heritage

Dakar, Senegal

Why a candidate: Dakar’s mix of stadiums, island heritage (Gorée) and vibrant music scene is perfect for festival football that doubles as a cultural tour.

Match + Culture

1. Day 1: Match at Stade Léopold Sédar Senghor or a modern replacement stadium. Night: live music in the Almadies district.
2. Day 2: Île de Gorée (slave house museum), African Renaissance Monument, and the Sandaga market.

Tips: Combine match days with beach time; domestic flights to other Senegalese cities are short and cheap. Budget (3 days): US$200–450.

Abidjan, Ivory Coast

Why a candidate: Abidjan is a strong economic hub with stadiums and a growing tourism profile (Banco Park, Plateau skyline). A co‑host with Accra or Lagos in a regional West African bid is likely.

Match + Culture

1. Day 1: Match in Abidjan (Stade Félix Houphouët‑Boigny). Evening on the Plateau or Marcory’s nightlife.
2. Day 2: Visit Notre‑Dame Cathedral, Banco National Park, and the bustling Treichville markets.

Lagos & Abuja, Nigeria

Why candidates: Nigeria’s massive domestic football culture, stadium capacity in Lagos and Abuja, plus strong airline competition make it a realistic bidder. Lagos offers nightlife and coastal attractions; Abuja is compact and well‑planned for fan logistics.

Match + Culture (Lagos)

1. Day 1: Match at Teslim Balogun or other major venue. Night: Lekki nightlife, rooftop dining.
2. Day 2: Nike Art Gallery, Tarkwa Bay, or a day trip to Badagry for heritage sites.

Visa: E‑visa expansion is ongoing in 2026 — check Nigeria’s online portal. Budget: US$220–500.

East Africa: Emerging hosts with wildlife and city culture

Nairobi, Kenya

Why a candidate: Nairobi’s international connectivity, stadium options and pre‑existing tourism draw make it a strong East African host. Nairobi pairs city football with wildlife mini‑safaris.

Match + Culture

1. Day 1: Match at Moi International or Kasarani Stadium. Night: trendy eateries in Westlands.
2. Day 2: Half‑day Nairobi National Park game drive, Giraffe Centre, and Karen Blixen Museum.

Tip: In 2026 many African airlines offer affordable Nairobi connections; consider combining with a safari extension to the Maasai Mara. Budget: US$300–700.

Southern Africa: Tourism infrastructure and stadium know‑how

Johannesburg, Cape Town & Durban, South Africa

Why candidates: South Africa’s proven event infrastructure (stadiums, transport, hotels) and leisure draws (Table Mountain, coastlines) make it a perennial candidate. Expect strong bids for Cape Town and Johannesburg as anchor cities, with Durban as a coastal partner.

Match + Culture (Cape Town)

1. Day 1: Match at Cape Town Stadium. Evening: V&A Waterfront and waterfront dining.
2. Day 2: Table Mountain cable car, Cape Peninsula drive and Cape Point; evening wine tasting in Constantia.

Tip: Domestic rail and shuttle services ease multi‑city transfers. Budget: US$350–800 (higher in peak tourist season).

Lusaka, Zambia

Why a candidate: Growing stadium investments and proximity to Victoria Falls (short regional hop) make Lusaka an attractive pick for a Zambia–Zimbabwe joint bid or Zambia–Botswana partnership.

Match + Culture

1. Day 1: Match in Lusaka; sample local cuisine at market stalls.
2. Day 2: Day trip to Lower Zambezi or short regional flight to Livingstone for Victoria Falls.

Central Africa: Untapped markets and joint‑hosting potential

Douala & Yaoundé, Cameroon

Why candidates: Cameroon has hosted Afcon before and balancing games between Douala and Yaoundé spreads matches across port and capital hubs — attractive for fans wanting coastal and cultural experiences.

Match + Culture

1. Day 1: Match in Douala; try local fish dishes and visit the Maké‑Maké market.
2. Day 2: Travel to Yaoundé for cultural museums and Mvog‑Betsi Zoo or short domestic flights.

Practical planning: How to build an Afcon match‑plus itinerary that actually works

Follow this checklist to maximize the match and cultural experience without the last‑minute stress.

• Book early (12–9 months): With Afcon now quadrennial, host selection timelines will favour early bookings. Secure flights and hotels as soon as host cities are announced.
• Layer your trip: Pair each match day with a half‑day cultural activity to avoid travel fatigue and make the most of city attractions.
• Check visa rules in 2026: Many African nations expanded e‑visa schemes after 2023–25; use official government portals and confirm entry requirements before you buy non‑refundable tickets.
• Use official channels for tickets: Buy through CAF and national FA portals to avoid scalpers. Register for fan IDs if required.
• Travel insurance that covers event cancellations and medical evacuation is a must — tournament schedules can change and quadrennial pressure might increase logistics shifts.
• Local connectivity: Buy a local eSIM or short‑term data plan on arrival; mobile ticketing and ride‑hailing will be essential.
• Health & safety: Check vaccination rules and local advisories. Keep copies of important documents digitally and physically.

Budgeting smart: sample estimates for a 3‑day fan trip (excluding long‑haul flights)

• Budget travel (hostel/cheap hotel, public transport): US$180–350
• Midrange (3‑4* hotel, local tours, taxis): US$300–700
• Premium (boutique hotels, private guides, premium seats): US$700–1,800+

Advanced strategies for serious match tourists in 2026

• Multi‑city passes: When cities are close (e.g., Casablanca‑Rabat or Lagos‑Abuja), buy regional train or short‑haul flights early and use a flexible ticket plan.
• Group bookings: Fan groups can negotiate better rates with hotels and local operators; consider club‑hosted packages or trusted agencies specialising in Afcon travel.
• Sustainability choices: Pick host hotels with green certifications and use public transport or shared shuttles to support host legacy goals.
• Scouting before the event: Use the quadrennial gap to test a city on a local cup final or friendly — it’s the best way to see stadium logistics and fan zones in action.

Case study: How a 6‑day ‘Two City’ Afcon trip might look (example: Dakar + Saint‑Louis)

Day 1–2: Arrive Dakar — match day + musical night. Day 3: Day trip to Gorée. Day 4: Domestic transfer to Saint‑Louis for colonial architecture and river cruises. Day 5: Second match or local club game; evening seafood. Day 6: Fly home or continue to the Saloum Delta for nature.

This layered approach turns a match weekend into a cultural mini‑vacation and is exactly why the quadrennial Afcon will encourage longer stays.

Risks and what to watch for before you buy

• Late host changes: With CAF’s controversial December 2025 decision process under scrutiny, expect political shifts or joint bids to emerge — keep refundable options where possible.
• Scalping & fake tickets: Only use CAF‑cleared platforms. Verify barcodes and use stadium entry scanning apps when available.
• Currency fluctuations: Tourism demand can spike local prices; carry a mix of cash and cards and use official exchange points.

Quick reference: Top 12 candidate Afcon host cities (2028+ predictions)

1. Casablanca, Morocco — stadium capacity + tourism.
2. Cairo, Egypt — iconic attractions + infrastructure.
3. Johannesburg, South Africa — transport & hotels.
4. Cape Town, South Africa — tourism magnet.
5. Dakar, Senegal — culture and coastal vibe.
6. Abidjan, Ivory Coast — growing host capability.
7. Lagos, Nigeria — massive fan base.
8. Accra, Ghana — passionate crowds and heritage sites.
9. Nairobi, Kenya — connectivity + wildlife pairings.
10. Douala, Cameroon — regional football hub.
11. Tunis, Tunisia — historic medina + stadiums.
12. Lusaka/Livingstone, Zambia/Zimbabwe pair — nature + matches.

Final takeaways: Why planning now pays off

The 2026 landscape shows CAF and national federations moving toward fewer, higher‑impact tournaments. For fans this means fewer opportunities but richer experiences — host cities will compete not just on stadiums but on culture, transport, and tourism packages. If you want to turn match trips into meaningful travel, start planning earlier: secure refundable flights, lock in midrange hotels, and choose cultural add‑ons that fit your energy level.

Actionable next steps

• Subscribe to official CAF and national FA updates and set calendar alerts for host announcements.
• Choose two target cities from the quick reference list and research flights and hotels now; consider refundable options.
• Draft a 3–7 day itinerary per city pairing match days with 1–2 cultural highlights (museum + heritage site or nature trip).
• Join fan forums and local expat groups for on‑the‑ground tips and safe transfer options.

Ready to plan your Afcon trip? Sign up for our tailored Afcon itineraries — we'll send city‑specific guides, booking windows and vetted local operators as soon as hosts are confirmed. Make this quadrennial event more than a match: make it your best African cultural trip yet.

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