The Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) Executive Committee has unanimously decided to return the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to a two-year cycle. This decision reverses the earlier plan to stage the tournament every four years. The change was announced on October 30, 2026, according to a report by Ahotor FM.
CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe had announced at the CAF Strategy Conference in Cabo Verde, held from October 7 to 9, 2026, that the Executive Committee would reassess and reconsider the decision taken the previous year to move the competition to a four-year format. The original shift to a four-year cycle was announced in December 2025 during the Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.
The proposed change aimed to align the tournament more closely with other major international competitions and introduce a new Africa Nations League as a biennial event. However, the proposed Nations League was recognised as requiring several years before it could generate substantial revenue or make meaningful contributions to the development and competitiveness of the game across the continent.
The reassessment followed strong feedback from CAF's 54 member associations. Many submitted clear preferences for restoring the traditional two-year schedule, citing its importance as a regular showcase for national teams, a key source of revenue that supports other CAF competitions, and a vital opportunity for African players based at clubs outside the continent.
Consultations with the member associations were conducted in the period leading up to the final decision, with submissions requested and received in late October 2026. Dr. Motsepe stated that the Executive Committee's unanimous choice to reinstate the two-year cycle is intended to advance, protect and promote the interests of African football, the 54 member associations, and African players employed by clubs abroad.
Under the confirmed schedule, the next Africa Cup of Nations will take place in 2027, jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Subsequent editions are planned for 2028, 2031, and 2033. There will be no tournament in 2030, in keeping with the established practice of not staging confederation national-team finals in a FIFA World Cup year.
The decision restores the long-standing rhythm of the Africa Cup of Nations, which has traditionally been held every two years since its early editions and has served as one of the most consistent major sporting events on the African calendar. This move is expected to serve the broader goal of developing and growing the game on the continent while ensuring competitions remain viable and globally competitive.
Key points
- CAF Executive Committee unanimously decides to return AFCON to a two-year cycle.
- The decision was made based on feedback from CAF's 54 member associations.
- The next AFCON will take place in 2027, jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
