Rabat, Morocco — The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced that the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will move to a quadrennial format after the 2028 edition, ending its long-standing biennial tradition. The change aligns Africa’s premier tournament with the global football calendar.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe, speaking at a press conference in Rabat on the eve of the 2025 AFCON opener, described the move as a “historic compromise” designed to ease fixture congestion. He was joined by FIFA Secretary General Mattias Grafström, who praised the decision as a step toward better global coordination.
The current AFCON in Morocco (December 21, 2025 – January 18, 2026) will proceed as planned, followed by the 2027 edition co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. The next tournament, originally scheduled for 2029, will be advanced to 2028, with hosts to be determined through a bidding process. From then on, AFCON will take place every four years, with the next edition set for 2032—placing it in the same cycle as the UEFA European Championship and the Olympic Games.
To offset the reduced frequency of Africa’s flagship event—which generates nearly 80% of CAF’s revenue—Motsepe unveiled plans for an annual African Nations League beginning in 2029. Modeled after UEFA’s successful competition, it will feature all 54 CAF member associations divided into four geographical zones. Matches will be played during the September and October international windows, with zonal winners meeting in November finals.
Motsepe emphasized the benefits: “You’ll have the equivalent of an AFCON every year… the best African players who play in Europe and worldwide will be with us on the continent.” He highlighted increased prize money and sponsorship opportunities, promising “more resources, more competition” annually.
The decision also addresses long-standing scheduling conflicts. AFCON’s mid-European season timing has often sparked tensions with clubs reluctant to release star players. Recent editions have shifted dates multiple times—from summer in 2019, back to January-February due to weather and COVID-19, and now to winter 2025–26 to avoid clashing with FIFA’s expanded Club World Cup.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino had previously advocated for a four-year cycle, a proposal initially resisted by CAF due to revenue concerns. Grafström hailed the announcement as a breakthrough for harmonizing international football calendars.
CAF also raised the winner’s prize for the ongoing 2025 tournament from $7 million to $10 million, underscoring its commitment to elevating AFCON’s prestige.
While the changes promise stability and annual high-level action, they mark the end of AFCON’s unique biennial rhythm, in place since 1968. For fans and players across the continent, the overhaul signals a new era—one of synchronization with the world stage and sustained competitive opportunities.
