CAF President Patrice Motsepe has confirmed that the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will move to a four-year cycle, bringing an end to the tournament’s long-standing biennial format.
Motsepe made the announcement on Saturday, December 20, while addressing the media ahead of the opening of the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, which kicks off on Sunday.
The decision marks a significant shift for Africa’s flagship football competition, which has been staged every two years since 1968.
The new format will come into effect after the 2027 edition, scheduled to be hosted in Eastern Africa. The 2028 tournament will still be played before the four-year cycle officially begins.
According to Motsepe, the change forms part of a broader strategy aimed at reshaping African football.
“We have the most exciting new structure for African football,” he said.
CAF believes the revised calendar will enhance the overall quality of the competition, give host countries more time to prepare, and ease the growing scheduling burden on players and clubs.
In addition, the continental body has announced plans to introduce an African Nations League, with the new competition expected to kick off in 2029.
