The President of the Confederation of African Football, Patrice Motsepe, has unveiled fresh plans to expand the Africa Cup of Nations, signaling another significant shift in the structure of the continent’s flagship football competition.
Speaking after a recent CAF executive meeting, Motsepe disclosed that the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will be increased from 24 to 28 teams. The proposed format will see seven groups of four teams, with the top two sides from each group advancing to the knockout stage.
While 14 teams will automatically qualify for the Round of 16, CAF is yet to clarify how the remaining two slots will be decided under the new arrangement.
The expansion is part of a broader restructuring of African football competitions. CAF had earlier announced that AFCON would now be staged every four years instead of the current two-year cycle. This adjustment is intended to accommodate the newly introduced CAF Nations League, which is expected to run biennially.
Recent editions of the tournament have kept CAF in the spotlight, with the 2025 AFCON drawing widespread reactions following the decision to strip Senegal of the title and award it to Morocco. Despite the controversy, the governing body appears committed to reshaping the competition for broader participation and commercial growth.
Looking ahead, the 2027 AFCON is scheduled to be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda, and Tanzania, while subsequent editions are expected to follow the new calendar.
The increase in participating teams is likely to boost qualification chances for several nations that narrowly missed out previously. For countries like Ghana and Guinea, the expansion offers renewed hope of returning to the continental stage.
For Nigeria’s Super Eagles, however, expectations remain high regardless of the format. The three-time champions finished third at the last tournament in Morocco and will be aiming to end their long wait for another title in the coming editions.
