By Sport Analyst
Emmanuel Afonja
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially announced that the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will transition from its long-standing two-year schedule to a four-year cycle starting from the 2028 edition.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe confirmed the landmark decision as part of broader reforms aimed at aligning African football more effectively with the increasingly congested global football calendar.
According to Motsepe, while the biennial AFCON has historically served as a crucial revenue stream for African football associations, the introduction of a new African Nations League will help offset any financial impact caused by the reduced frequency of the continent’s flagship tournament.
The African Nations League, modeled after UEFA’s Nations League, is expected to be held annually and will offer increased prize money, greater competitiveness, and additional financial resources for participating nations.
Speaking to journalists in Rabat, Morocco, ahead of the opening match of the current AFCON tournament, Motsepe outlined the roadmap for upcoming competitions.
“Our immediate focus is on this AFCON,” Motsepe said.
“In 2027, the tournament will be hosted by Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda, and the next edition will follow in 2028. After the FIFA Club World Cup in 2029, we will launch the first African Nations League, with more prize money, more resources, and stronger competition.As part of this arrangement, AFCON will now take place once every four years.”
Since its inaugural edition in 1957, the Africa Cup of Nations has traditionally been staged every two years. However, over the past decade and a half, the tournament has faced persistent scheduling challenges due to clashes with European club competitions, FIFA tournaments, and expanding domestic league calendars.
This year’s tournament in Morocco marks the eighth AFCON edition since 2012, highlighting the strain of the biennial format on players, clubs, and national teams.
CAF believes the new four-year cycle, combined with the African Nations League, will modernize African football, improve player welfare, and enhance the commercial value of continental competitions.
