CAF President Patrice Motsepe announces major changes to align with global calendar, including new annual African Nations League from 2029.

Major Shake-Up in African Football: AFCON Moves to Quadrennial Format

In a groundbreaking announcement, the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has revealed that the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) will transition to being held every four years, starting after the 2028 edition.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe made the declaration during a media interaction in Rabat, Morocco, on Saturday, December 20, 2025—just ahead of the kickoff of the 2025 AFCON tournament.

AFCON

A Brief History and the Upcoming Changes

The AFCON has traditionally been a biennial event since its inception in 1957, with most editions occurring every two years (except for a one-year shift between 2012 and 2013).

Under the new structure:

  • The 2027 edition will proceed as planned, jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
  • An additional tournament will take place in 2028 (hosts to be determined).
  • From then on, AFCON will occur every four years, aligning it more closely with major global tournaments like the UEFA European Championship.

“We have the most exciting new structure for African football,” Motsepe stated. “I do what is in the interests of Africa. The global calendar has to be significantly more synchronised and harmonised.”

This move addresses long-standing issues with scheduling conflicts, particularly disruptions to European club seasons where many African stars play.

Introducing the African Nations League

To maintain regular high-level competition and revenue streams—previously reliant on biennial AFCON—CAF is launching a new annual tournament: the African Nations League, set to begin in 2029.

Modeled after the successful UEFA Nations League, this competition will provide yearly international matches, boosting player exposure, prize money, and financial stability for national associations.

Motsepe emphasized that the changes were developed in consultation with FIFA, aiming for greater harmony in the worldwide football calendar.

What This Means for Fans and Players

The shift to a four-year cycle is expected to:

  • Elevate the prestige and anticipation of AFCON finals.
  • Reduce fixture congestion and player fatigue.
  • Allow better preparation for host nations.
  • Minimize mid-season absences for club teams.

While some fans may miss the frequent tournaments, the new Nations League promises consistent action featuring Africa’s top talents.

As the 2025 AFCON gets underway in Morocco, this announcement marks the beginning of an exciting new era for the continent’s premier football competition.