The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has restored the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to its traditional two-year format, reversing its earlier decision to hold the competition every four years. This decision was taken unanimously by CAF's Executive Committee (EXCO) after reassessing the proposed changes to the continent's football calendar. CAF President, Dr. Patrice Motsepe, announced that the organisation's executive committee would reconsider its previous decision.
The reconsideration followed concerns about the proposed Africa Nations League, which was initially expected to replace the existing AFCON format and provide a major pan-African competition every two years. According to CAF, the proposed competition would require several years before it could generate substantial financial resources needed to support African football and make the continent's competitions globally competitive and financially self-sustaining.
CAF's decision prioritises protecting the interests of African football, CAF's 54 member associations, and African players employed by football clubs outside the continent. Motsepe explained that the committee's priority was to advance, protect, and promote the interest of African football and CAF's member associations, as well as the interest of African players employed by football clubs outside Africa.
The next TotalEnergies CAF Africa Cup of Nations will take place in 2027, with Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda jointly hosting the competition. The subsequent editions will take place in 2028, 2031, and 2033. The decision to schedule the 2031 and 2033 editions considers the 2030 FIFA World Cup, as CAF explained that, in line with FIFA's tradition, the final tournament of AFCON and other confederation-level national team competitions will not take place during the year of the World Cup.
Motsepe described AFCON as more than a football tournament, noting that the competition provides an opportunity to celebrate the continent's diverse cultures, customs, and traditions while bringing people together. He said the tournament connects people from Africa's 54 countries, the African diaspora, and other parts of the world.
The CAF president maintained that the decision was in the best interest of African football and its member associations, adding that it would strengthen the continent's football development and competitiveness. The latest announcement comes amid controversy surrounding the 2025 AFCON final, which has remained a major talking point in African football.
The 2025 AFCON final was marred by controversy after Senegal's players temporarily walked off the pitch following the award of a stoppage-time penalty to Morocco. CAF later overturned the result, recording the match as a 3-0 victory in favour of Morocco due to Senegal's conduct. Despite this, CAF's decision to return AFCON to its traditional two-year cycle is expected to contribute significantly to the development and growth of football across the continent.
Key points
- CAF has restored AFCON to its traditional two-year format.
- The decision prioritises protecting the interests of African football and its member associations.
- The next AFCON will take place in 2027, hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
