CAF Returns to Biennial Africa Cup of Nations Schedule

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) announced on Friday that the Africa Cup of Nations will return to a two-year hosting cycle, reversing its previous plan to stage the tournament every four years. The decision was unanimously approved by the organization's executive committee.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe said the move followed a reassessment of the competition's structure amid challenges surrounding the proposed launch of the African Nations League, which had been planned as a biennial tournament. He noted that establishing the new competition and generating its expected financial returns would require several years.

Motsepe added that the time needed to launch the proposed league and achieve its financial and developmental objectives was a key factor in the decision, stressing the importance of securing sufficient resources to support the growth of African football.

Under the revised schedule, the 2027 edition will proceed as planned in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda. Subsequent tournaments are scheduled for 2028, 2031 and 2033, with a three-year gap between the 2028 and 2031 editions to avoid a scheduling clash with the 2030 FIFA World Cup.