CAF Reopens Debate Over AFCON Tournament Cycle

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) is reviewing the future frequency of the Africa Cup of Nations, with president Patrice Motsepe revealing that the organisation is considering restoring the competition’s traditional two-year schedule.

Motsepe confirmed the development during a press conference in Cape Verde on Friday, following the conclusion of CAF’s Strategy Conference. The announcement raises the possibility of another change to the continental football calendar after the governing body previously announced plans to move AFCON to a four-year cycle.

“We are looking into bringing AFCON back to every two years. That’s under review,” Motsepe said.

In December 2025, CAF announced that the tournament would retain its existing format until the 2028 edition before moving to a four-year cycle. The decision marked a significant shift for a competition that has traditionally been staged every two years.

Under the current schedule, Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda are set to jointly host the 2027 edition, with the next tournament planned for 2028. The proposed change to a four-year cycle would then take effect, although Motsepe’s latest remarks suggest that arrangement could be reconsidered.

CAF has not yet formally reversed its earlier decision, meaning the proposed calendar remains in place while discussions continue. Any change would require further clarification from the governing body regarding the timing of future editions.

The review comes as CAF prepares to introduce other changes to African football. Among its plans is an annual African Nations League, scheduled to begin in 2029, which would provide another regular competition for national teams across the continent.

Returning AFCON to a two-year cycle would have significant implications for the organisation’s broader competition plans and the international football calendar. For now, however, the future format remains under review, with the 2027 and 2028 tournaments still scheduled to go ahead as announced.