CAF revert to traditional two-year AFCON cycle after scrapping four-year plan

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reversed its decision to stage the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) every four years, with the tournament set to return to its traditional biennial format.

The CAF Executive Committee (EXCO) unanimously approved the change following a meeting, citing the need to protect the interests of African football and ensure the continued development of the game across the continent.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe had previously indicated that the governing body would reconsider its decision to move AFCON to a four-year cycle during the CAF Strategy Conference in Cabo Verde from 7 to 9 October 2026.

The review followed concerns surrounding the proposed Africa Nations League, which was initially expected to replace the existing biennial AFCON format as a new continental competition.

However, CAF acknowledged that the proposed competition would take several years to generate the financial resources required to support the development of African football and make its competitions more competitive and financially sustainable.

The governing body subsequently concluded that restoring the traditional AFCON schedule would better serve its 54 member associations, players and other stakeholders.

Explaining the decision, Motsepe said the move was informed by the need to advance and protect African football, while also considering the interests of players representing clubs outside the continent.

“The decision by the CAF EXCO that the CAF AFCON should take place every Two Years was based on advancing, protecting and promoting the interest of African Football and CAF’s 54 Member Associations, as well as the interest of African players employed by Football Clubs outside Africa,” Motsepe said.

The CAF president also expressed confidence in the 2027 AFCON, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda.

Under the revised schedule, the tournament will take place in 2027 and 2028 before returning in 2031 and 2033.

The adjustment takes into account the 2030 FIFA World Cup, with CAF maintaining that its flagship national team competition will not be staged in a World Cup year, in keeping with the established practice of other continental football confederations.

Motsepe further described AFCON as more than a football tournament, highlighting its importance as a platform for celebrating Africa’s cultures, traditions and identity.

He said the competition brings together people from the continent’s 54 countries, the African diaspora and the wider international community.

The return to a two-year cycle is expected to provide greater certainty for African football, strengthen the financial prospects of member associations and ensure that AFCON continues to play a central role in the continent’s football development.