The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced that it will revert to its original Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) schedule, with the tournament taking place every two years. This decision, made at the CAF Strategy Conference in Cape Verde from October 7-9, 2026, overturns the previous plan to hold the tournament every four years. CAF President Dr. Patrice Motsepe stated that the decision was made to advance, protect, and promote the interests of African football.
The decision to revert to a biennial schedule was made after reassessing the proposed new African Nations League Pan-African competition, which was supposed to replace the current AFCON. CAF recognized that the new competition would require several years to generate substantial financial resources necessary for CAF competitions and African football to be globally competitive. The next AFCON, the 36th edition, will be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania.
According to Dr. Motsepe, the CAF Executive Committee's decision was based on the interests of African football, CAF's 54 Member Associations, and African players employed by football clubs outside Africa. The biennial AFCON schedule will continue with subsequent tournaments taking place in 2028, 2031, and 2033. This decision ensures that African football continues to thrive and grow.
The forthcoming FIFA World Cup will take place in 2030, and in accordance with FIFA tradition, the final tournament of the AFCON and other confederations' national team competitions may not take place during the year of the FIFA World Cup. This means that the 2030 AFCON may be held in 2029 or earlier. CAF will amend its statutes and regulations to restore confidence in officiating.
The 2026 CAF Strategy Conference in Cape Verde brought together various stakeholders to discuss the future of African football. The conference provided a platform for CAF to engage with its Member Associations, sponsors, and other stakeholders. The decisions made at the conference will shape the future of African football.
CAF's decision to revert to a biennial AFCON schedule has significant implications for African football. The tournament has a rich history, and its biennial schedule has contributed to its growth and popularity. The decision ensures that African football continues to thrive and grow.
The next AFCON, co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, is expected to be a major event in African football. The tournament will feature top African teams and players, and it will provide a platform for African football to showcase its talent and potential. CAF's decision to revert to a biennial schedule has set the stage for another exciting edition of the AFCON.
Key points
- CAF reverts to biennial AFCON schedule
- Decision made to advance, protect, and promote African football interests
- Next AFCON to take place in 2028
