The President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe, has confirmed that the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will transition to a four-year cycle, ending the long-standing practice of staging the tournament every two years.
The announcement was made on Saturday, December 20, marking a significant shift in the competition’s history, which has followed a biennial format since 1968.
According to CAF, the new schedule will take effect after the 2027 AFCON, which is scheduled to be hosted in Eastern Africa. The 2028 edition will still be organised, after which the four-year cycle will officially commence.
Mr Motsepe described the change as part of a bold and forward-looking strategy aimed at transforming African football.
“We have the most exciting new structure for African football,” he stated.
CAF believes the revised format will enhance the overall quality of the tournament, give host countries more time to prepare, and ease the growing scheduling pressures faced by players and clubs.
In addition to the AFCON reforms, CAF also announced plans to introduce an African Nations League, which is expected to begin in 2029, further reshaping the continent’s football landscape.
Source: joynews
