CAF Scraps Four-Year AFCON Plan, Confirms Biennial Tournament

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reversed its earlier decision to move the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to a four-year cycle, confirming that the continental tournament will return to its traditional biennial format. The CAF Executive Committee unanimously approved the change on Thursday, October 29, following a reassessment of the competition calendar. CAF President Patrice Motsepe announced the decision after the organisation’s Strategy Conference in Cabo Verde, held from October 7 to 9, where he had indicated that the governing body would reconsider its previous plan. Under that arrangement, AFCON was expected to move to a four-year schedule, while a proposed Africa Nations League would take over as the continent’s major biennial competition. However, CAF said the new competition would require several years before generating the substantial financial resources needed to support the development of African football and make its competitions globally competitive and financially sustainable. Motsepe said the decision to restore the two-year cycle was guided by the need to protect and promote the interests of African football, CAF’s 54 member associations and African players employed by clubs outside the continent.

The next AFCON will take place in 2027, with Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda serving as co-hosts. Subsequent editions are scheduled for 2028, 2031 and 2033, with no tournament planned for 2030 because it coincides with the FIFA World Cup. Motsepe expressed confidence in the East African countries’ ability to deliver a successful tournament, describing AFCON as more than a football competition, but also an opportunity to celebrate Africa’s diverse cultures, traditions and people. He said restoring the biennial format would contribute to the growth of the game and strengthen the continent’s football associations. The reversal marks a significant change in CAF’s competition calendar strategy, following its December 2025 announcement that AFCON would move to a four-year cycle after the 2028 edition. While CAF has now confirmed the return to a two-year schedule, its latest announcement did not provide further details on the future structure or timing of the proposed Africa Nations League.

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