CAF and the Africa Cup of Nations is set for a historic transformation after Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe confirmed that the tournament will be expanded from 24 to 28 teams.
The announcement, made during a press conference in Cairo, marks another significant evolution for Africa’s flagship football competition, which was last expanded in 2019 when it moved from 16 to 24 teams.
According to Motsepe, the decision is part of a broader vision to grow the game across the continent and provide more nations with the opportunity to compete at the highest level.
“We want to increase it to 28 countries… This will allow more nations to compete, showcase their talent, and contribute to the growth of African football,” he stated.
CAF Expanding Opportunity
The move to a 28-team format means that more than half of CAF’s 54 member associations could potentially qualify for the tournament a shift that significantly broadens access to elite continental competition.
Under the current system, 24 teams are divided into six groups of four, with the top two teams and four best third-placed sides advancing to the knockout stages. While CAF has yet to officially outline the exact structure of the new format, the expansion is expected to introduce further adjustments to accommodate the additional teams.
For many emerging football nations, this change represents a major opportunity to gain exposure, experience, and investment in the sport.
Calendar Shift: AFCON to Four-Year Cycle
Alongside the expansion, CAF has reaffirmed its intention to move AFCON from its traditional two-year cycle to a four-year cycle starting from 2028.
This would represent one of the most dramatic scheduling changes in the tournament’s history, aligning it more closely with global competitions like the FIFA World Cup.
Motsepe believes the adjustment will improve the overall quality of the competition by allowing teams more time to prepare and build stronger squads.
“By allowing more time between tournaments, national teams will improve consistency and performance,” he explained.
Looking Ahead to AFCON 2027
The next edition of the tournament, the Africa Cup of Nations 2027, will still be played under the existing 24-team format. It will be co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda in what promises to be a landmark event for the region.
The expansion to 28 teams is expected to take effect in subsequent editions, potentially reshaping qualification dynamics and competitive balance across the continent.
A New Era for African Football
Ultimately, the decision signals CAF’s intent to make AFCON more inclusive and globally competitive. While challenges remain, the expansion represents a bold step toward redefining the future of African football.
As the continent’s premier tournament evolves, all eyes will be on how these changes impact the quality, competitiveness, and global standing of the game in Africa.
