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Africa Cup of Nations to adopt four-year format
The Confederation of African Football (Caf) has confirmed that the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) will transition to a quadrennial tournament starting in 2028, marking a significant shift in the continent's football calendar.
Decision announced amid calendar challenges
Caf president Patrice Motsepe revealed the change following an executive committee meeting in Morocco ahead of the 2025 Afcon finals, which begin in Rabat on Sunday. The tournament, held biennially since 1968, has frequently clashed with the European club season, disrupting player availability for African nations.
Motsepe stated the move aligns with efforts to harmonize African football with the global calendar. "We have to compromise," he said, citing coordination with FIFA president Gianni Infantino and general secretary Mattias Grafström.
New African Nations League unveiled
To replace the annual gap left by Afcon's reduced frequency, Caf will launch the African Nations League in 2029. The competition will feature all 54 member associations divided into four regional zones, with matches played from September to November.
"This will be the equivalent of an Afcon every year," Motsepe said, emphasizing the league's potential to attract top-tier sponsors and ensure elite African players compete on the continent annually.
Prize money increased for Afcon winners
Caf also announced a rise in prize money for the Afcon champions, increasing from $7 million to $10 million. The 2025 edition in Morocco will be the first to award the higher sum, with the final scheduled for January 18.
Timeline of changes
The 2027 Afcon, co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, will retain the biennial format, followed by the 2028 edition. From 2029 onward, Afcon will mirror the European Championships, held every four years.
Motsepe acknowledged the financial reliance on Afcon's frequent staging but framed the shift as a strategic move. "I do what is in the interests of Africa," he said, highlighting the need for synchronization with global football schedules.
Recent Afcon context
The announcement follows Ivory Coast's dramatic victory in the 2023 Afcon, where they triumphed on home soil despite mid-tournament managerial changes. Morocco, hosts of the 2025 edition, are among the favorites, with star player Mohamed Salah aiming to secure his first Afcon title.
