Shock As Botswana Pulls Out Of South Africa, Zimbabwe 2028 AFCON Bid

Botswana has withdrawn from the joint bid with South Africa and Zimbabwe to host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), leaving the two countries to continue discussions with the Confederation of African Football (CAF) over their hosting proposal.

According to Bush Radio Academy, the withdrawal followed the Botswana government’s decision not to provide the financial guarantee required for the bid. Botswana subsequently failed to submit the necessary bidding documents before CAF’s September 14, 2026 deadline.

The report, citing Botswana newspaper Mmegi through Morocco World News, attributed the decision to financial constraints and the government’s position that hosting the continental tournament was not currently a priority.

The Botswana Football Association had previously maintained that the financial guarantee was not required at the initial stage of the bidding process. However, the government’s position ultimately brought Botswana’s participation in the three-country proposal to an end.

The original joint bid had proposed hosting matches in Gaborone and Francistown. Plans included making use of existing facilities in Francistown while renovation work continued at the National Stadium in Gaborone.

The proposed arrangement was also expected to help distribute matches between the two cities and potentially reduce travel requirements for teams and supporters.

Botswana’s withdrawal represents a change to the regional proposal as South Africa and Zimbabwe now move forward with the hosting bid without their neighbour.

Botswana had previously expressed interest in hosting the 2027 AFCON before CAF awarded the tournament to the joint bid of Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

South Africa and Zimbabwe are expected to continue their engagement with CAF as the football governing body prepares to determine the host or hosts for the 2028 edition of the competition.