OFFICIAL: CAF Restores Africa Cup of Nations to Two-Year Cycle, Confirms Next Four Editions

Addis Ababa, October 30, 2026 (FMC) — The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unanimously decided to restore the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) to its traditional two-year cycle, reversing its previous decision to stage the continent’s flagship football tournament every four years.

The decision was adopted by the CAF Executive Committee on Thursday, October 29, following a reassessment of the earlier change, which CAF had announced last year. The move comes after the governing body recognized that its proposed Africa Nations League would require several years to generate the substantial financial resources needed to support CAF competitions and make African football globally competitive and financially self-sustaining.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe said restoring the biennial format was intended to advance and protect the interests of African football, the confederation’s 54 member associations and African players employed by clubs outside the continent.

CAF also confirmed the schedule for the next four editions of the tournament. The 2027 AFCON will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, followed by the 2028, 2031 and 2033 editions.

The schedule excludes 2030, when the FIFA World Cup will take place. CAF said the final tournaments of AFCON and other continental national-team competitions may not be held during a World Cup year, in keeping with FIFA’s established calendar practice.

Beyond its sporting significance, Motsepe described AFCON as a major celebration of African football, cultures, customs and traditions, bringing together people from the continent’s 54 countries, the African diaspora and audiences worldwide.

The decision restores the tournament’s regular place in the African football calendar while maintaining its role in supporting the development and growth of the game across the continent.