Starting from 2028, the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) will shift to a four-year cycle, as announced by Confederation of African Football (Caf) president Patrice Motsepe.
Traditionally held every two years since 1968, with a one-year gap between 2012 and 2013, the tournament will now occur quadrennially after the 2027 edition in East Africa, followed by the 2028 tournament.
Additionally, Motsepe revealed the launch of an annual African Nations League from 2029. “We have the most exciting new structure for African football,” he stated. “I do what is in the interests of Africa. The global calendar must be more synchronized and harmonized.”
AFCON Trophy
Meanwhile, Caf has increased the prize money for Afcon winners from $7m (£5.2m) to $10m (£7.5m). This significant change was announced after a Caf executive committee meeting in Morocco before the 2025 finals in Rabat on Sunday.
The biennial schedule has caused calendar clashes, with most recent tournaments occurring mid-European club season. Despite this, Caf has preferred the two-year frequency to generate revenue for reinvestment in African football. Since 2019, Afcon has been scheduled for June-July, starting with Egypt.
However, Covid-19 and weather issues in Central and West Africa led to the 2021 and 2023 editions in Cameroon and Ivory Coast being held in January and February. FIFA’s expanded 32-team Club World Cup in June-July 2023 influenced Caf to choose mid-season dates again.
AFCON Defending Champions Ivory Coast
Consequently, this year’s Afcon in Morocco will be held over Christmas and New Year, concluding with the final on January 18. The dates for 2027 in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda are yet to be announced, immediately followed by the 2028 edition, whose host country remains undecided.
Moving forward, the tournament will become quadrennial, aligning with the European Championships. Motsepe mentioned that this decision was made with FIFA President Gianni Infantino and FIFA Secretary General Matthias Grafstrom, acknowledging compromises with the global body.
The African Nations League, also announced by Motsepe, will occur annually from 2029, taking place in September, October, and November. The league will feature 54 African associations divided into four zones: Northern (6 teams) and Eastern, Western, Central, and Southern (16 teams each).
Morocco are the host of AFCON 2025
Matches will be held in September and October, with regional champions competing in November for the overall title. Motsepe described the league as “the equivalent of an Afcon every year,” emphasizing partnerships with FIFA and top sponsors to ensure a high-level competition.
He added, “Every year in Africa, the best African players in Europe will be here on the continent. We will have a world-class competition annually with all 54 nations participating.”
