CAF Restores AFCON’s Two-Year Tournament Cycle

The Confederation of African Football has reversed its earlier decision to hold the Africa Cup of Nations every four years, confirming that the tournament will return to its traditional biennial format.

The decision was unanimously approved by the CAF Executive Committee following its Strategy Conference in Cabo Verde, held from October 7 to 9, 2026.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe announced the development, explaining that the decision was taken to protect the interests of African football, its 54 member associations and players competing for clubs outside the continent.

CAF had earlier proposed moving AFCON to a four-year cycle and introducing an Africa Nations League to be played every two years.

However, Motsepe said concerns over the time required for the proposed competition to generate significant financial and developmental benefits influenced the reversal.

He explained that CAF wanted to ensure its competitions remained financially sustainable and globally competitive while supporting football development across Africa.

Under the revised calendar, the next AFCON will take place in 2027, with Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda serving as co-hosts.

Subsequent editions are scheduled for 2028, 2031 and 2033, with CAF maintaining that the tournament will not hold in the same year as the FIFA World Cup.

Motsepe expressed confidence in the ability of the three East African countries to successfully host the 2027 tournament.

He also described AFCON as more than a football competition, saying it provides an opportunity to celebrate Africa’s diverse cultures and bring people across the continent and its diaspora together.

The decision marks a reversal of CAF’s earlier competition calendar plans and restores AFCON’s position as a biennial tournament.