The President of the Confederation of African Football (CAF), Patrice Motsepe, has reaffirmed that the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will be staged every four years going forward, while revealing that the continental showpiece could be expanded to 28 teams.
Motsepe made the disclosure on Friday in Dar es Salaam following a meeting of the CAF Executive Committee. Although no specific timeline was announced for the proposed expansion, he indicated that discussions are ongoing as part of broader reforms aimed at strengthening African football.
AFCON has featured 24 teams in its last four editions, after being increased from a 16-nation format. Under the current structure, the 24 participating teams are drawn into six groups of four. Motsepe did not clarify how an additional four teams would be integrated into the competition format if the expansion to 28 is approved.
CAF currently has 54 member associations, meaning a 28-team tournament would involve more than half of its members — a move observers say could significantly reshape qualification dynamics across the continent.
The decision to hold AFCON every four years, rather than the previous two-year cycle, was first announced in December and drew mixed reactions from stakeholders. However, Motsepe defended the shift, arguing that a longer cycle would enhance competitiveness, improve tournament quality, and give national teams adequate preparation time.
He maintained that the revised schedule would allow more nations to compete at the highest level, better showcase their talent, and contribute meaningfully to the commercial and developmental growth of African football.
Looking ahead to the next edition, Motsepe expressed confidence in the co-hosting nations — Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda — stating that they are on course to deliver a successful tournament.
“CAF and African football will be enormously successful this year and in the years ahead,” he said. “We believe that Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda will deliver a good tournament next year.”
The proposed expansion and scheduling reform mark a significant turning point for Africa’s flagship football competition, with further details expected as consultations continue within CAF.
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