AFCON to Be Held Every Four Years as CAF Announces Major Calendar Shift

• The Africa Cup of Nations will move from a biennial to a four-year cycle after the 2028 edition, as CAF President Patrice Motsepe announces sweeping calendar reforms and the introduction of an African Nations League.

The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will now be staged every four years, marking a major departure from its long-standing biennial format. The change will take effect after the 2028 edition, according to an announcement by Confederation of African Football (CAF) President, Patrice Motsepe.

Motsepe revealed the decision on Saturday in Rabat, Morocco, describing it as part of a broader restructuring aimed at easing pressure on Africa’s football calendar and aligning it better with global competitions.

Under the new arrangement, AFCON will be held in 2027 across Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda, followed by another edition in 2028. Thereafter, the tournament will switch to a four-year cycle.

While AFCON’s two-year format has historically served as a major source of revenue for African football associations, Motsepe explained that the introduction of an annual African Nations League would help offset the financial impact of the change.

DON’T MISS: DR Congo Fires Back as FIFA Reviews Nigeria’s Petition

“After the FIFA Club World Cup in 2029, we will introduce the African Nations League, which will bring more prize money, more resources, and stronger competition,” Motsepe said.

AFCON, first held in 1957, has traditionally taken place every two years, but scheduling conflicts with European leagues and FIFA tournaments have increasingly posed challenges in recent years.

The new four-year cycle is expected to provide greater stability, enhance competition quality, and reduce congestion for players and national teams across the continent.