The Executive Committee of the Confédération Africaine de Football (CAF) has unanimously decided to reinstate the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) as a biennial event.
CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe made this announcement during the CAF Strategy Conference held in Cabo Verde on October 7-9, 2026. The committee is reassessing its earlier choice to host the AFCON every four years.
This decision is influenced by the understanding that the proposed Africa Nations League, intended to replace the current AFCON, will take years to develop the financial backing needed to ensure the competitiveness of African football.
Dr. Motsepe stated, “The move to hold the AFCON every two years is about advancing the interests of African football, our 54 member associations, and players abroad. We’re also concerned about the lengthy timeline before the new competition can truly support African football.”
The next CAF AFCON is set for 2027 in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, with subsequent tournaments planned for 2028, 2031, and 2033. With the FIFA World Cup in 2030 approaching, it’s customary for AFCON and similar events not to take place during World Cup years.
The AFCON is not just a sporting event; it celebrates Africa’s rich cultures and unites people from all corners of the continent and the diaspora. The CAF EXCO’s decision aims to strengthen African football and support its growth and development.
