In a surprise move, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced that it will revert to its previous decision of holding the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) every two years. This decision was made during a meeting of the CAF Executive Committee, which took place on October 30, 2026. The announcement brings an end to speculation that the CAN would be held every four years, starting from 2028.
The decision to change the CAN's schedule was initially made in December 2025 by CAF President Patrice Motsepe. He stated that the tournament would be held every four years, with a new format featuring a League of Nations-style competition to be introduced in 2029. However, this plan was met with opposition from various stakeholders, leading to a re-examination of the decision.
According to Patrice Motsepe, the CAF was concerned about the financial implications of delaying the CAN. The organization felt that it needed the revenue generated from the tournament to develop African football and make CAF competitions more competitive globally. The CAN's biennial schedule will continue, with the next editions scheduled for 2027, 2028, 2031, and 2033.
The 2027 CAN will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, as previously announced. The decision to maintain the biennial schedule was made unanimously by the CAF Executive Committee. This move is expected to be welcomed by football fans and stakeholders across the continent, who have traditionally supported the CAN's two-year cycle.
One of the reasons cited for the decision to revert to the biennial schedule was the potential clash with the FIFA World Cup. The 2030 World Cup is scheduled to take place in Morocco, and the CAF wanted to avoid having the CAN in the same year. This would have potentially led to a conflict of interest and divided attention among football fans.
The CAF's decision has significant implications for African football. The CAN is one of the most widely watched and highly anticipated sporting events on the continent. By maintaining the biennial schedule, the CAF has ensured that the tournament will continue to be a major event in the African football calendar.
The CAF's reversal of its decision has been met with relief from football fans and stakeholders. The organization has demonstrated its commitment to the development of African football and its willingness to listen to the concerns of its members. The CAN will continue to be a major platform for African footballers to showcase their talents and compete at the highest level.
Key points
- The CAF has reversed its decision to hold the Africa Cup of Nations every four years, opting instead to maintain the current biennial schedule.
- The decision was made due to concerns about the financial implications of delaying the tournament and potential conflicts with the FIFA World Cup.
- The next editions of the CAN are scheduled for 2027, 2028, 2031, and 2033.
