CAF Reverses Decision, Retains Two-Year AFCON Cycle

By Adedapo Adesanya

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reversed its earlier decision to hold the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) every four years, confirming that the continental football tournament will retain its biennial format.

The decision was unanimously approved by the CAF Executive Committee, with President Patrice Motsepe announcing the development after the organisation’s Strategy Conference held in Cabo Verde from October 7 to 9, 2026.

The reversal follows concerns that the proposed Africa Nations League, which was expected to replace AFCON as a biennial competition, would take several years to generate sufficient revenue to support football development and make African competitions financially sustainable.

In a statement published on CAF’s website on Friday, Mr Motsepe said the decision was informed by the need to protect the interests of African football, its 54 member associations and players competing for clubs outside the continent.

He said the proposed Nations League would require considerable time to deliver the financial and developmental benefits initially envisaged.

Under the revised calendar, the next AFCON will take place in 2027, jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

Subsequent editions are scheduled for 2028, 2031 and 2033, and so on.

Mr Motsepe said the scheduling arrangement would ensure that AFCON does not coincide with the FIFA World Cup, in line with the organisation’s approach to continental competitions.

He expressed confidence in the three East African countries’ ability to successfully host the 2027 tournament, describing AFCON as an important platform for showcasing African football talent and celebrating the continent’s diverse cultures.

The CAF president said restoring the two-year cycle would contribute to the development of football across the continent and strengthen the organisation’s member associations.

The decision marks a reversal of CAF’s earlier plan to introduce a four-year AFCON cycle alongside a new Africa Nations League, reaffirming the continental tournament’s place as African football’s flagship national team competition.