CAF Reverses Course: AFCON Returns to Biennial Cycle
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has decided to revert the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to a two-year cycle, reversing their previous decision to hold the tournament every four years.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has made a significant change to the schedule of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), confirming that the tournament will now occur every two years instead of every four. This decision, aimed at protecting and promoting the interests of African football, was announced by CAF President Patrice Motsepe 123.
This reversal comes after CAF had previously opted for a four-year interval between AFCON tournaments, a choice that was now deemed less favorable for the continent's football landscape. The new cycle will see the next AFCON hosted jointly by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda in 2027, followed by editions in 2028, 2031, and 2033 123.
Motsepe highlighted the importance of maintaining a regular rhythm for the AFCON, stating that it aligns better with the needs and aspirations of African football. However, there will be a notable exception to this pattern, as the year 2030 will not feature an AFCON due to the FIFA World Cup taking place that same year 13.
Initially, CAF had considered introducing an African Nations League to serve as a biennial tournament, potentially replacing the traditional AFCON format. However, this plan was ultimately discarded, with CAF expressing concerns over the time needed for such a league to become financially stable and beneficial for the development of football on the continent 123.
The decision to revert to a two-year cycle for AFCON is expected to have a positive impact on the visibility and financial health of African football, ensuring that the continent's top teams and stars remain in the spotlight more frequently.
What we know
- The AFCON will return to a two-year cycle 123
- CAF previously decided to hold AFCON every four years but changed it back to two years 123
- The next AFCON will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda in 2027 123
- Upcoming AFCON tournaments will be in 2028, 2031, and 2033 123
- Patrice Motsepe, CAF president, stated that the decision to host AFCON every two years is to protect and promote the interests of African football 12
- There will be no AFCON in 2030 due to the FIFA World Cup 13
Verification report
High confidence — probability of truth 87%, weighted across 8 claims from 3 independent outlets.
- confirmed The Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will return to a two-year cycle. (94%)
- confirmed CAF previously decided to hold AFCON every four years but changed it back to two years. (94%)
- confirmed The next AFCON will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda in 2027. (94%)
- confirmed Upcoming AFCON tournaments will be in 2028, 2031, and 2033. (94%)
- confirmed Patrice Motsepe, CAF president, stated that the decision to host AFCON every two years is to protect and promote the interests of African football. (87%)
- confirmed There will be no AFCON in 2030 due to the FIFA World Cup. (87%)
- likely CAF planned to introduce an African Nations League to replace AFCON as a biennial tournament, but decided against it. (73%)
- likely CAF is concerned that the proposed Africa Nations League would take several years to become financially viable and beneficial for football development. (71%)
Sources
- BBC Sport — Afcon to return to two-year cycle after Caf U-turn
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/articles/cqn73pxx8vr5o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss - AllAfrica — Africa: AFCON Every Two Years Again As CAF Reverses Decision
https://allafrica.com/stories/202610300309.html - Al Jazeera — AFCON returns to 2-year cycle after CAF reverses quadrennial decision
https://www.aljazeera.com/sports/2026/10/30/afcon-returns-to-2-year-cycle-after-caf-reverses-quadrennial-decision?traffic_source=rss