CAF CONFIRMS AFCON SWITCH TO FOUR-YEAR CYCLE FROM 2028, AFRICAN NATIONS LEAGUE TO LAUNCH IN 2029

African football is set for a historic transformation. CAF President Patrice Motsepe has officially confirmed that the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will move to a four-year cycle starting in 2028, bringing an end to its long-standing biennial format.

The 2027 AFCON, to be co-hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, will therefore be the final edition held every two years.

A strategic shift to modernize African football

According to Patrice Motsepe, the decision is part of CAF’s broader strategy to modernize African competitions and align them more closely with global football standards.

“African football must evolve, improve its commercial value, and enhance its global appeal,” Motsepe stated.

The four-year cycle is expected to:

allow better preparation for national teams,

improve organizational quality,

increase commercial and broadcast value,

reduce calendar conflicts with European clubs.

African Nations League set for 2029

To maintain regular competitive football for national teams, CAF will introduce an African Nations League in 2029, which will be played annually.

The competition aims to:

provide meaningful and competitive fixtures,

raise the overall standard of African football,

reduce reliance on low-profile friendly matches,

create new commercial and development opportunities.

A new era for African football

While the reform has been welcomed by many analysts for its long-term vision, it has also sparked debate among fans attached to the traditional AFCON format.

One thing is certain: African football is entering a new era, with structural changes that could significantly reshape its future on the global stage.