The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially abandoned its plan to stage the Africa Cup of Nations every four years, confirming a return to the traditional two-year schedule following a unanimous decision by its Executive Committee.
The decision reverses a change announced previously and comes after growing opposition from several member associations, which had called on the continental governing body to retain the tournament’s traditional format.
WinWin had earlier reported that CAF had received a letter from the majority of its member associations urging it to abandon the four-year cycle and restore the competition’s previous arrangement.
The issue was also addressed by CAF president Patrice Motsepe during the African Union Strategy Conference in Cape Verde, which took place from 7 to 9 October 2026. Motsepe confirmed at the meeting that the Executive Committee would reconsider the decision taken the previous year.
The reversal means the Africa Cup of Nations will once again be organised every two years, with CAF pointing to the interests of African football and the financial challenges surrounding its proposed alternative competition.
Motsepe explains why CAF reversed its decision
Motsepe outlined several reasons behind the decision to review the four-year format, particularly concerns about the proposed African Nations League.
The competition had been conceived as a continental tournament to take place every two years, effectively replacing the traditional AFCON schedule. However, CAF recognised that the new format would require several years before it could generate the substantial financial resources needed to support African football.
According to the CAF president, those resources would be essential to ensuring that African competitions could compete at the highest international level while helping the continent’s football system achieve financial independence.
The decision to restore the Africa Cup of Nations to a two-year cycle was therefore presented as a move to safeguard the interests of the continent’s football structures.
Motsepe also stressed that the decision was intended to benefit CAF’s 54 member associations and African players, particularly those who earn their living playing for clubs outside the continent.
The governing body considers the competition an important part of the development of African football, making its organisation and long-term sustainability a priority.
CAF confirms dates for upcoming Africa Cup of Nations tournaments
Motsepe also provided details of the schedule for future editions of the Africa Cup of Nations, confirming that the next tournament will take place in 2027.
Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda will jointly host the competition, with the CAF president expressing confidence that the three countries will deliver a successful tournament.
Following the 2027 edition, the next Africa Cup of Nations tournaments are scheduled for 2028, 2031 and 2033.
The 2030 FIFA World Cup has influenced the scheduling arrangements, with no Africa Cup of Nations or other official continental national-team competition expected to take place during that year.
Explaining the wider importance of the competition, Motsepe said: “The Africa Cup of Nations is not just about football, but it is a celebration of the rich and diverse African cultures, customs and traditions. It is a means of bringing together people from the 54 African countries, African communities abroad, and from all over the world.”
He further defended the decision to restore the traditional format, insisting that it would serve the interests of African football and its member associations.
He concluded by saying: “The decision of the CAF Executive Committee is in the best interest of African football and the 54 member associations, and will contribute significantly to the development and growth of football on the African continent.”
The reversal marks a significant change in CAF’s competition plans and brings an end to the proposal to stage the continent’s biggest national-team tournament once every four years. The return to a biennial schedule is expected to maintain the competition’s established place in African football while giving the governing body more time to develop its wider financial and sporting ambitions.
