The 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) will take place from June 19 to July 17 in Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The tournament, jointly hosted by the three East African nations, marks a significant expansion for the prestigious continental competition. The Confédération africaine de football (CAF) confirmed the dates and host countries for the event. The upcoming edition will introduce a new format, featuring seven groups composed of four teams each, according to officials. This expansion aims to enhance the tournament's reach and competitive structure, providing more opportunities for national teams to participate at the highest level of African football. The decision to expand the tournament reflects CAF's ongoing commitment to developing football across the continent and increasing the competition's appeal and inclusivity.
Expanded Tournament Details
Qualifiers for the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations will be conducted over three international windows, according to the Confédération africaine de football (CAF). The first qualification period is scheduled from September 21 to October 6, 2026. A second window will follow from November 9 to 17, 2026, with the final matches taking place between March 22 and March 30, 2027. These windows will determine the teams advancing to the expanded 28-team tournament. The qualification process is designed to ensure fair competition and allow national teams ample preparation time. The increase in participating teams will lead to a more extensive qualification phase, engaging more member associations across Africa. The Africa Cup of Nations previously underwent an expansion from 16 to 24 teams in 2019, reflecting a consistent trend towards larger continental competitions, aiming to give more nations a chance to compete on the biggest stage. This latest expansion further solidifies the tournament's position as a major global football event.
Broader CAF Initiatives
The prize money for the 2026 Women's Africa Cup of Nations has seen a significant increase, according to the Confédération africaine de football (CAF). The champion team of the Women's Africa Cup of Nations will now receive two million dollars. This new amount represents a doubling of the previous prize, which stood at one million dollars. The enhanced financial reward for the tournament winners is part of broader initiatives by CAF to develop and elevate women's football across the continent. This adjustment aims to provide greater incentives for participating nations and further professionalize the sport at the continental level, encouraging more investment in women's teams and infrastructure. The increase in prize money is a clear signal of CAF's commitment to gender equality in football and its vision for a stronger, more competitive women's game.
President's Vision for Football
The Confédération africaine de football (CAF) has confirmed the expansion of the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) from 24 to 28 teams, a change set to commence with the 2027 edition. This marks another significant growth phase for the continent's premier football tournament. The decision shows a push to include more nations in the competition, potentially increasing its reach and competitive diversity across Africa. The expansion follows a previous increase from 16 to 24 teams in 2019, reflecting a consistent strategy by CAF to broaden participation and enhance the tournament's overall impact. This strategic growth is expected to foster greater football development in member associations and provide more thrilling matches for fans.
In addition to the tournament expansion, CAF has also outlined financial provisions for the Women's Africa Cup of Nations. Each of the sixteen qualified teams participating in the Women's Africa Cup of Nations will receive a minimum payment of 150,000 dollars. This financial commitment aims to support national federations and further professionalize women's football across the continent, complementing other initiatives to elevate the sport. These financial incentives are key for national teams, helping them cover preparation costs, improve training facilities, and invest in player development. The combined efforts for both men's and women's continental tournaments demonstrate CAF's full approach to advancing football throughout Africa.
