The 2027 TotalEnergies CAF Coupe d’Afrique des Nations will feature 24 national teams, after Confederation of African Football president Dr Patrice Motsepe moved to shut down speculation over a format change.
Speaking at a press conference on Wednesday, the CAF leader issued an unequivocal clarification following days of rumours in sections of the media suggesting the tournament structure could be altered.
CAF stressed that its flagship competition will retain the expanded format that allows a broad range of nations to take part, underlining its intention to keep the event representative of the full diversity of African football.
Motsepe “directly denied” what CAF described as incorrect reports carried by various outlets in recent days, insisting there is no plan to reduce the number of participating teams or modify the format for 2027.
By confirming that the structure of the finals remains unchanged, CAF says it is offering certainty to member associations as they prepare their long‐term sporting strategies for the next cycle.
The governing body believes the clarification ends what it sees as a period of media confusion around the competition and gives national federations a clear view of the qualification path and competitive landscape ahead.
Tournament dates and qualification schedule
CAF has also set out the main elements of the calendar for the 2027 edition.
The final tournament will be staged in the northern summer, with the competition scheduled to take place in June and July 2027.
Qualifying will begin shortly before the finals year, with CAF confirming that the opening rounds of the qualifiers are planned for the FIFA international windows in September and October 2026.
Those dates will mark the start of the road to the 24‐team showpiece, with continental federations now able to plan around a fixed format and timetable confirmed by African football’s governing body.
