The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially announced that the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) will once again be held every two years. This decision was made during a meeting of the CAF Executive Committee on October 30, 2026, in which they unanimously adopted the resolution. This move reverses their previous plan to hold the competition every four years.
The decision to change the frequency of the tournament was initially hinted at by Patrice Motsepe, the President of CAF, during the CAF Strategic Conference held in Cape Verde from October 7-9, 2026. He mentioned that the Executive Committee would re-examine the proposed reform from the previous year. The biennial CAN has been a tradition, and this decision is expected to be welcomed by African football fans who are passionate about the tournament.
The Africa Cup of Nations is a premier international football competition in Africa, and it has been held since 1957. The tournament has been a significant event in the African football calendar, with top teams and players competing for the coveted title. The competition has been held every two years since its inception, with the exception of 2020, when it was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
The CAF Executive Committee's decision to reinstate the biennial CAN is seen as a move to maintain the tradition and excitement of the tournament. The competition has a huge following in Africa, and fans eagerly anticipate the event every two years. The tournament has also provided a platform for African teams to showcase their talent and compete against top teams from around the world.
The reinstated biennial CAN is expected to have a significant impact on African football, with teams and players preparing for the competition every two years. The tournament will also provide an opportunity for African teams to compete against top teams from other continents. The CAF has been working to improve the competitiveness and appeal of the tournament, and the biennial format is seen as a step in the right direction.
The decision to hold the CAN every two years is also expected to have economic benefits for the host countries and the African football community. The tournament generates significant revenue from broadcasting rights, sponsorships, and ticket sales, which can contribute to the development of football infrastructure and programs in Africa.
The CAF has confirmed that the next edition of the CAN will be held in 2027, and preparations are already underway. The tournament will feature top teams and players from Africa, competing for the coveted title. With the reinstated biennial format, fans can look forward to more exciting football action every two years.
Key points
- The CAF has reinstated the Africa Cup of Nations to be held every two years, reversing their previous plan to hold it every four years.
