In a recent announcement, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has decided to revert to holding the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) every two years. This move comes less than a year after the organization had decided to switch to a quadrennial format. The decision was made during a meeting of the CAF executive committee on October 29, 2026.

The CAF had initially decided to move to a quadrennial format for the CAN, but it appears that this decision has been reversed. The biennial format has been the traditional schedule for the tournament, which brings together the best national teams from across Africa. The change in schedule may have implications for teams and players looking to compete in the tournament.

The Africa Cup of Nations is one of the most prestigious tournaments in African football, with a huge following across the continent. The tournament has a rich history, with the first edition taking place in 1957 in Sudan. Since then, it has been held regularly, with the exception of 2020 when it was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The decision to revert to a biennial format may be seen as a positive move by many fans and teams. It will provide more opportunities for teams to compete and for players to showcase their skills on the biggest stage in African football. The CAF has not provided a detailed explanation for the change in schedule, but it is likely that the decision was made with the interests of the teams and players in mind.

The CAF executive committee meeting on October 29, 2026, was attended by top officials from the organization, including its president. The meeting discussed various issues related to African football, including the CAN schedule. The decision to revert to a biennial format was one of the key outcomes of the meeting.

The Africa Cup of Nations has a significant impact on the football calendar in Africa. The tournament is watched by millions of fans across the continent and provides a platform for teams to compete against the best in African football. The biennial format will ensure that the tournament continues to be a major event in the African football calendar.

The CAF has confirmed that the CAN will be held every two years, starting from the next edition. The exact dates for the next tournament have not been announced, but fans can expect it to take place in 2028. The CAF will provide more information on the tournament schedule and format in the coming months.

Key points

  • The Confederation of African Football has decided to hold the Africa Cup of Nations every two years.
  • The decision was made during a meeting of the CAF executive committee on October 29, 2026.
  • The biennial format will provide more opportunities for teams to compete and for players to showcase their skills.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.