The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has decided to restore the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) to its original biennial schedule. This decision was made by the CAF Committee on October 29, 2026, with all members in agreement. The move comes after the CAF president, Dr. Patrice Motsepe, announced that the Committee would re-examine the previous decision to change the CAN to a quadrennial tournament.
The initial decision to change the CAN schedule was made last year. However, this decision was met with concerns about the implementation of a new pan-African competition, the League of Nations. The League of Nations was proposed to replace the current CAN and take place every two years. According to the CAF, it would take several years for this new competition to generate substantial financial resources.
The CAF president, Dr. Patrice Motsepe, stated that the Committee's decision aims to advance, protect, and promote African football and its 54 member associations. He also mentioned that the new competition would need several years to provide significant financial contributions. These contributions are essential for the development of African football and its competitiveness on the global stage.
The next edition of the TotalEnergies CAF Coupe d’Afrique des Nations is scheduled for 2027. The tournament will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Dr. Motsepe expressed his confidence in the success of this event. Additionally, he announced the schedule for the following editions, which are set to take place in 2028, 2031, and 2033.
The scheduling of future CAN editions takes into account the 2030 FIFA World Cup. According to Dr. Motsepe, the CAF may avoid scheduling the CAN and other national team competitions during a World Cup year, following FIFA's tradition. The CAN is not only a significant sporting event but also a celebration of African culture, diversity, and traditions.
Dr. Motsepe emphasized that the CAN brings together people from Africa's 54 countries, the African diaspora, and people worldwide. He believes that restoring the biennial CAN schedule serves the best interests of African football and its member associations. This decision is expected to contribute significantly to the development and growth of football on the continent.
The CAF's decision to restore the CAN to a biennial schedule marks a significant reversal. The move is seen as a positive step for African football, ensuring the continued growth and development of the sport. The CAF will continue to work towards enhancing the competitiveness of its competitions and promoting African football globally.
Key points
- The CAF has restored the Africa Cup of Nations to a biennial schedule, reversing its previous decision to switch to a quadrennial tournament.
- The next edition of the CAN is scheduled for 2027 and will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
- The CAF's decision aims to promote African football and its member associations, while also ensuring the continued growth and development of the sport.
