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Ed Dove
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced that the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will now occur every four years starting in 2028, alongside a new African Nations League set to be held annually.
CAF president Dr. Patrice Motsepe revealed this update during a press conference in Morocco on Saturday, just before the commencement of the 2025 AFCON, which will see Comoros face the host nation on Sunday.
Motsepe confirmed that the 2027 Cup of Nations, which will be jointly organized by Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania, will proceed as planned. However, the subsequent tournament, initially slated for 2029, has been advanced to 2028, with the next AFCON scheduled for 2032.
This new structure allows the inaugural African Nations League to kick off in 2029. According to Motsepe, this league will comprise all 54 CAF member nations, split into four geographical regions, with matches held in September and October and final rounds in November.
“There will be a competition each year where the top African players from Europe and around the globe will compete on our continent,” Motsepe stated.
When asked about the specific dates for the 2028 AFCON, Motsepe noted that scheduling has historically posed challenges. This year’s tournament was rescheduled to avoid overlapping with FIFA’s newly established Club World Cup.
Assisting Motsepe during the announcement, FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström emphasized that this development marks a “historic decision,” ensuring FIFA’s support for coordination with CAF.
“CAF is now responsible for determining the host location and schedule for the Africa Cup in 2028, and we will work closely to synchronize dates,” Grafström noted. “While it may take time, we’re committed to finding mutually acceptable solutions, just as we did for this edition.”
Transitioning AFCON to a four-year cycle aligns it with UEFA’s European Championship, which will also occur in 2028.
The absence of an AFCON in 2029 ensures that it will not conflict with the next Club World Cup.
This report includes information from The Associated Press.