In a landmark decision set to reshape the continental football calendar, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced that the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will shift from its traditional two-year cycle to being held once every four years. This significant change will take effect after the 2028 edition of the tournament.
A Strategic Shift for a Packed Global Calendar
The revelation was made by CAF President Patrice Motsepe in Rabat, Morocco, on the eve of the opening match of the 2025 AFCON hosted by Morocco. Motsepe explained that the restructuring is designed to better integrate African football into an increasingly congested global fixture list. "Our focus now is on this AFCON, but in 2027 we will be going to Tanzania, Kenya, and Uganda, and the AFCON after that will be in 2028," Motsepe told reporters.
He further elaborated, "Then after the FIFA Club World Cup in 2029 we will have the first African Nations League… with more prize money, more resources, and more competition. As part of this arrangement, the AFCON now will take place once every four years." This move marks the end of a format that has been largely consistent since the tournament's inception in 1957.
Replacing Revenue with a New Competition
The biennial Africa Cup of Nations has historically been a crucial financial lifeline for many African football associations. Acknowledging this, President Motsepe confirmed that the newly introduced African Nations League will serve as the primary replacement for that lost revenue stream. Modelled on the successful UEFA Nations League format, this annual competition promises greater financial incentives for participating nations.
The 2025 tournament in Morocco will be the eighth edition held since 2012, highlighting the recent struggle to find a stable and convenient slot in the international football schedule. The shift to a quadrennial cycle is CAF's strategic response to this persistent challenge.
Implications for the Future of African Football
This decision represents one of the most substantial changes to the structure of top-level African football in decades. The key implications include:
- Increased Prestige: A four-year cycle could elevate the tournament's stature, making each edition a more significant and anticipated event.
- Calendar Harmony: It alleviates fixture congestion for players and aligns more closely with other major continental championships like the UEFA European Championship.
- New Focus: The success of the African Nations League will be critical in maintaining the financial health and competitive intensity of football across the continent.
While fans will have to wait longer between each AFCON spectacle, CAF's leadership believes this restructuring, spearheaded by Patrice Motsepe, is a necessary evolution to ensure African football's sustainable growth and global integration.
