African Cup of Nations reverts to two-year cycle
Confederation of African Football reverses decision to hold tournament every four years.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has decided to return the African Cup of Nations to its traditional two-year cycle. This reverses a December decision to hold the tournament every four years. CAF president Patrice Motsepe stated the biennial Afcon aims to advance African football and its 54 member associations.
The governing body had planned an African Nations League to replace the biennial Afcon but acknowledged it would take years to generate sufficient revenue. The previous four-year plan was impacted by FIFA's expanded 32-team Club World Cup held in June and July. The next Afcon will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda in 2027.
Future tournaments are scheduled for 2028, 2031, and 2033. There will be no tournament in 2030 due to the World Cup. The biennial hosting of Afcon has often caused issues with the European club football calendar, with many recent tournaments held mid-season.