CAF will start initial discussion on the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) bidding process at an Executive Committee meeting scheduled for Thursday, 22 October 2026, following Zimbabwe and South Africa’s joint bid to host the tournament.

The continental football governing body confirmed the development on its official website, stating that the meeting would be held virtually.

“The CAF EXCO will also deliberate on the TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) bidding process and other matters relating to the competition,” CAF said.

The meeting comes as Zimbabwe and South Africa pursue a joint bid to host the continental showpiece, with the future of CAF’s competition calendar also potentially influencing the process.

Zimbabwe and South Africa had initially joined forces with Botswana in the bid, but Botswana later withdrew, leaving the two countries to continue with the proposal.

The COSAFA joint bid faces competition from Ethiopia, who officially confirmed their bid in August.

The bid’s timeline has come under scrutiny following discussions about CAF potentially reconsidering its plans for a new AFCON calendar, including the proposed shift to holding the tournament every four years.

The outcome of Thursday’s meeting could provide further clarity on the bidding process and the direction CAF intends to take regarding the competition’s future editions.