CAF restores Africa Cup of Nations to two‑year cycle
CAF voted unanimously to reverse the four‑year plan; the next AFCON will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda in 2027.
31 October 2026 — The Confederation of African Football (CAF) voted unanimously on Saturday to undo its earlier decision to stage the Africa Cup of Nations on a four‑year cycle and instead return the continental championship to a biennial schedule.
The reversal cancels a move announced last December that would have shifted the tournament to a four‑year rhythm beginning in 2028 and paved the way for a new African Nations League planned to start in 2029.
Reaction and reasons
The four‑year plan had sparked discontent among participants at the most recent tournament in Morocco, with several delegations arguing the change reflected European preferences and ran against African interests. CAF delegates said the governing body had reconsidered after those objections and internal consultations.
Officials stated the vote was unanimous, restoring the previous model under which national teams meet for the continent’s flagship competition every two years.
CAF also confirmed that the next Africa Cup of Nations will be staged in Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda in 2027 under the restored calendar.
The confederation offered no immediate timetable for resurrecting or redesigning the proposed African Nations League, which had been slated to debut in 2029 under the earlier plan.
Photo: press material from the event
