Botswana Withdraws From 2028 AFCON Joint Bid With South Africa, Zimbabwe

Botswana has officially withdrawn from the joint bid with South Africa and Zimbabwe to host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), leaving the two remaining countries to continue the hosting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

According to Botswana newspaper Mmegi (via Morocco World News) the decision came after the government declined to provide the financial guarantee required to support the country’s participation in the bid.

The report linked the decision to financial constraints and the government’s view that hosting the continental tournament is not currently among its priorities.

As a result, Botswana did not submit the required bidding documents before the September 14, 2026 deadline, unlike South Africa and Zimbabwe.