The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will be staged every four years going forward instead of the traditional two year cycle, the Confederation of African Football has confirmed.
The landmark decision was taken during CAF’s executive committee meeting held on Saturday in Rabat, Morocco, and was officially announced at a press conference by CAF President Patrice Motsepe.
Under the new arrangement, the Africa Cup of Nations will move to a four year cycle beginning in 2028. The tournament has been played every two years since 1968, with the only exception being the back to back editions in 2012 and 2013.
CAF confirmed that the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations, scheduled to be hosted by East African nations, will be the final edition under the existing two year format before the transition takes effect.
Explaining the broader vision behind the change, Motsepe also announced the introduction of a new African Nations League competition, which will be played annually from 2029.
“We have the most exciting new structure for African football,” Motsepe said.
The Africa Cup of Nations remains CAF’s flagship competition and is estimated to generate about 80 percent of the confederation’s total revenue. Since its inception in 1957, the tournament has been central to the growth and global recognition of African football.
The announcement comes as Morocco prepares to host the 35th edition of the tournament, which gets underway on Sunday, with the host nation facing Comoros in the opening match.
CAF is expected to release further details on the new competition calendar and the African Nations League in the coming months.
