Confederation of African Football Reinstates Biennial African Cup of Nations
The African Cup of Nations (Afcon) will revert to its traditional two-year cycle following a decision by the Confederation of African Football (Caf). The organization previously announced in December that the tournament would be held every four years, but this decision has been reversed after a careful review.
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The new plan included the establishment of an African Nations League to replace Afcon as a biennial tournament. However, Caf recognized that several years would be necessary to develop the revenue needed for financial sustainability.
Caf president Patrice Motsepe stated, “The decision by the Executive Committee to reinstate the organisation of the Afcon every two years aims to advance, protect and promote the interests of African football and the 54 Caf Member Associations, as well as those of African players playing for clubs outside the continent.”
The shift from the biennial schedule has presented challenges for the football calendar, with recent tournaments often taking place during the European club season.
This year, the FIFA expanded Club World Cup occurred in June and July, which also compelled Caf to select mid-season dates for the upcoming tournament.
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The next Afcon is scheduled for 2027, with Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda set to co-host the event. Subsequent tournaments will take place in 2028, 2031, and 2033, while there will be no tournament in 2030 due to the World Cup.
The 2025 Afcon final was memorable as Senegal was crowned champions, only to be stripped of their title three months later in favour of Morocco.
