The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced a transformative restructuring of its premier tournament, the Africa Cup of Nations, which will now feature 28 participating nations. CAF President Patrice Motsepe disclosed this ambitious roadmap during a media interaction in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania, on Friday, emphasizing a shift toward greater inclusivity and continental growth. This strategic expansion increases the field from the current 24-team format, offering four additional countries the chance to participate in Africa’s most prestigious sporting spectacle.
Beyond the increase in teams, the governing body has officially decided to move the tournament to a quadrennial schedule, transitioning from its traditional biennial cycle. Motsepe argues that hosting the competition every four years will alleviate pressure on the global football calendar while providing member associations with a more sustainable timeframe for development. This new structure aims to elevate the quality of play by allowing national teams to engage in longer-term tactical preparation and infrastructure improvements.
“The AFCON as we know it now is one of Africa’s most important sporting events,” Motsepe said. “We want to increase it to 28 countries, and, as we have said, hold it every four years. This will allow more nations to compete at the highest level, showcase their talent, and contribute to the growth of African football.”
The CAF leadership believes this extended interval serves as a vital tool for building competitive consistency across the continent. By providing a broader platform for talent discovery, the expanded 28-team field ensures that emerging footballing nations can test themselves against established powerhouses more frequently. This evolution reflects CAF’s broader vision to modernize African football, enhance its commercial value, and ensure the continent’s top stars can represent their countries without excessive scheduling conflicts.
Administrative officials will now begin consultations with various stakeholders and member associations to finalize the qualification criteria and logistical frameworks for this expanded format. While the 2027 edition remains slated for East Africa, the subsequent move to a 28-team, four-year cycle represents the most significant change to the tournament’s identity in decades. Motsepe concluded that these reforms would ultimately foster a more professional environment, allowing African football to reach its full potential on the world stage.
