CAF restores biennial schedule for Africa Cup of Nations

Confederation of African Football Africa Cup of Nations Patrice Motsepe biennial tournament African football

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unanimously decided to return the Africa Cup of Nations (CAN) to a biennial tournament cycle. This decision reverses a December 2025 plan to move the competition to a four-year cycle, which was intended to make room for a new Africa Nations League.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe stated that the reversal aims to “advance, protect and promote” the interests of African football, its 54 member associations, and players competing abroad. The shift was driven by financial concerns, as the proposed Nations League would require several years to generate the revenue necessary to support continental football development.

The 2027 edition is scheduled to be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Subsequent tournaments are planned for 2028, 2031, and 2033. The 2030 calendar will remain clear of the competition to avoid conflict with the FIFA World Cup.