CAF Announces Major AFCON Format Overhaul to 28 Teams Following 2025 Final Dispute
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled a significant transformation for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), confirming an expansion from 24 to 28 teams. This decision, announced by CAF President Patrice Motsepe on March 29, 2026, after an executive committee meeting in Egypt, aims to address governance issues and enhance the tournament's global standing.
Background and Rationale for the Format Change
CAF's move comes in the wake of intense scrutiny over its officiating and disciplinary processes, particularly after the controversial 2025 AFCON final between Senegal and Morocco. In that match, Senegal initially secured a 1-0 victory in extra time but later walked off in protest against a late penalty awarded to Morocco. CAF subsequently stripped Senegal of the title, sparking widespread outrage across the continent and leading to an appeal by Senegal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).
President Motsepe emphasized that the expansion is part of CAF's commitment to fostering "world-class football" and encouraging the return of top African players from international leagues. While specific details on how the four additional teams will be accommodated remain undisclosed, Motsepe stressed that the changes to tournament statutes and regulations are designed to prevent a recurrence of such contentious incidents, ensuring higher standards of fairness and transparency.
Implications for Future AFCON Tournaments
The expansion signals a new era for African football, with more nations gaining opportunities to compete on the continental stage. CAF anticipates that increased participation will boost competitive fixtures, elevate the tournament's prestige, and attract elite African talent back to the continent. Additionally, a more structured calendar is expected to emerge, facilitating improved preparation and showcasing emerging football nations.
CAF has confirmed that the 2027 AFCON finals, co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, will proceed as scheduled. Furthermore, another tournament is slated for 2028, after which AFCON will transition to a four-year cycle, aligning with major international competitions like the World Cup. This shift aims to enhance planning and global appeal.
CAF's Response to Senegal and Ongoing Developments
In related developments, President Motsepe has addressed Senegal's appeal to CAS, refraining from personal opinions but clarifying that he does not endorse the decision to strip the title. This stance underscores CAF's efforts to navigate the fallout while maintaining diplomatic relations. The announcement represents a bold step by CAF to reshape AFCON and strengthen its position as a leading global football body, though operational specifics of the expanded format are yet to be fully detailed.
