The Confederation of African Football (CAF) Executive Committee has voted unanimously to return to a biennial schedule for the Africa Cup of Nations. This decision marks a formal shift away from the previously implemented four-year cycle. CAF President Patrice Motsepe announced the end of the previous four-year cycle during a strategy conference held in Cape Verde from 7 October to 9 October 2026. The Executive Committee reached this conclusion through a unanimous vote, confirming that the Africa Cup of Nations will return to being held every two years.
Motsepe stated, "The decision of the CAF Executive Committee to hold the Africa Cup of Nations every two years comes from the desire to strengthen, protect and support the interests of African football, and the 54 member associations of the Union, in addition to the interests of African players playing in clubs outside the continent." Regarding the broader competitive calendar, Motsepe added, "We have also expressed our concern about the long period of time that the 'African Nations League' might take before it can make tangible financial and developmental contributions."
Strategic Shift in Scheduling
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) encompasses 54 member associations, all of which will participate in the updated tournament cycle. These 54 member associations are tasked with aligning their internal scheduling to match the confirmed frequency of the continent’s premier football competition. The return to the biennial format is intended to ensure that these member associations remain active participants in the international football calendar on a more frequent basis.
Patrice Motsepe, President of the Confederation of African Football, outlined the specific timeline for the upcoming tournaments. Regarding the transition to the biennial format, he stated, "The next edition of the Africa Cup of Nations will be held in 2027 in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, and I am confident that it will be very successful, and the following editions of the tournament will be held in 2028, 2031 and 2033."
Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda serve as the joint hosts for the 2027 event, marking a significant logistical undertaking for the three nations. Following the 2027 tournament, the competition schedule moves into its established biennial pattern with future editions set for 2028, 2031, and 2033. These future tournament dates serve as the primary pillars for the organization’s long-term planning. The Confederation of African Football has confirmed that the 2028, 2031, and 2033 editions are now officially integrated into the governing body’s strategic roadmap. This schedule ensures that the Africa Cup of Nations remains a recurring fixture for the 54 member associations involved.
