The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will continue to be held every two years, according to a decision made by the Confederation of African Football (CAF) Executive Committee on October 29, 2026. This move reverses a previous decision to shift the tournament to a four-year cycle. CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe had announced that the Executive Committee would reassess the decision, citing the need for the organization to advance, protect, and promote the interests of African football.
The reassessment was prompted by several factors, including the recognition that the proposed Africa Nations League, also set to be held every two years, would require several years to generate substantial financial resources. These resources are necessary to make CAF competitions and African football globally competitive and self-sustaining. The decision to retain AFCON's two-year cycle is also aimed at protecting the interests of African players employed by clubs outside Africa.
CAF's president had initially announced the plan to shift AFCON to a four-year cycle during a press conference in Rabat on December 20, 2025. However, after reconsideration, the organization has decided to maintain the traditional two-year rhythm. The next TotalEnergies CAF AFCON is scheduled to take place in 2027 in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. This will be followed by subsequent editions in 2028, 2031, and 2033.
The absence of an AFCON tournament in 2030 is attributed to the FIFA World Cup, which will take place that year. CAF's decision aims to ensure that African football and its 54 member associations benefit from the tournament's continued presence on the international football calendar. The organization is committed to promoting African football and protecting its interests.
Dr. Patrice Motsepe emphasized that the decision to retain AFCON's two-year cycle is in the best interests of African football. The CAF President had previously indicated that the reassessment would consider various factors, including the potential impact on African football and its stakeholders. The organization's goal is to ensure that AFCON continues to thrive and grow.
The return of AFCON to a two-year cycle is seen as a positive development for African football. The tournament has a rich history and is a significant event in the African football calendar. CAF's decision is expected to have a positive impact on the sport, providing opportunities for African players and teams to compete at the highest level.
The Cameroon Tribune, a leading African newspaper, reported on the development, providing insights into the CAF decision. According to the newspaper, the decision to retain AFCON's two-year cycle is a significant development in African football. The organization remains committed to promoting and protecting the interests of African football and its stakeholders.
Key points
- CAF reverses decision to shift AFCON to a four-year cycle, maintaining traditional two-year rhythm.
- The next AFCON tournament is scheduled for 2027 in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
- The decision aims to advance, protect, and promote the interests of African football and its 54 member associations.
