The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced that the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will expand from 24 to 28 teams beginning with the 2027 edition.
CAF President Dr Patrice Motsepe confirmed the decision during a press conference in South Africa on Wednesday, saying the move is aimed at allowing more African nations to compete at the continent’s flagship tournament.
The expanded competition will debut at the 2027 AFCON, which will be jointly hosted by Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania from June 19 to July 17, 2027.
AFCON has featured 24 teams since the 2019 tournament in Egypt, but CAF has now added four more qualification places as part of its efforts to grow football across the continent.
Motsepe said CAF remains committed to strengthening its competitions while raising the overall standard of football in Africa.
The CAF president also confirmed that the Africa Cup of Nations will return in 2028 before transitioning to a four-year cycle thereafter.
