The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will be held once every four years beginning after the 2028 edition, marking a major shift from the tournament’s long-standing two-year cycle.
The decision was announced on Saturday by the President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe, as part of broader reforms aimed at easing congestion in the international football calendar.
Motsepe said the move is designed to better align African competitions with the increasingly crowded global football schedule, while also strengthening the quality and commercial value of continental tournaments.
He explained that CAF planned to introduce a new annual African Nations League, which would serve as an alternative source of revenue for national football associations across the continent.
Speaking to reporters in Rabat on the eve of the opening match of the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco, Motsepe outlined the roadmap for future competitions.
He confirmed that the next AFCON would be hosted by Tanzania, Kenya and Uganda in 2027, followed by another edition in 2028.
From that point onward, the tournament would adopt a four-year cycle.
According to the CAF president, the introduction of the African Nations League—modelled after UEFA’s Nations League—will offer more competitive matches, increased prize money and expanded financial opportunities for member associations.
He noted that this new competition is expected to begin after the FIFA Club World Cup scheduled for 2029.
The Africa Cup of Nations has traditionally been staged every two years since its inaugural edition in 1957.
However, in recent years, the tournament had faced persistent scheduling challenges, often clashing with domestic leagues in Europe and other international competitions.
This year’s tournament in Morocco marks the eighth edition of AFCON since 2012, when the competition was jointly hosted by Equatorial Guinea and Gabon.
CAF believes the revised format will enhance planning, improve player welfare and elevate the prestige of African football on the global stage.
While the change represents a historic departure from tradition, CAF officials insisted it was a necessary step to ensure sustainability, competitiveness and long-term growth for the game across the continent.
