CAF Reveals Four-Year Cycle for Africa Cup of Nations

By John Pranay (Editor)

African soccer's premier tournament, the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), is undergoing a significant overhaul. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced that the tournament will switch from its traditional two-year cycle to a four-year cycle, starting from 2028. This change aims to align more closely with the global football calendar and ensure financial sustainability. The decision was made by CAF President Patrice Motsepe, who revealed the plans at a press conference in Morocco ahead of the 2025 AFCON.

The decision to switch to a four-year cycle has been in the works for some time, with CAF President Patrice Motsepe stating that the idea was previously floated by FIFA President Gianni Infantino. However, CAF had resisted the change due to its heavy reliance on tournament revenues. The announcement comes after discussions with Infantino and FIFA's general secretary, Mattias Grafström, who acknowledged that compromise was unavoidable. The new schedule will see the 2027 finals, co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, go ahead as planned, followed by another edition in 2028. From then on, the tournament will be staged every four years.

The Africa Cup of Nations has been held every two years since its inception in 1957. The tournament generates substantial revenues for CAF, accounting for an estimated 80 percent of the confederation's revenue. However, the scheduling of the tournament has long been a source of tension, particularly with European clubs, as it often takes place midway through the domestic season. In 2019, CAF resolved to move the competition to a June and July window, but circumstances have repeatedly intervened, leading to delays and rescheduling.

The switch to a four-year cycle may pose risks to the financial sustainability of CAF. The confederation relies heavily on tournament revenues, which may be reduced with the new schedule. Additionally, the introduction of an annual African Nations League in 2029 may lead to increased competition for resources and attention. Furthermore, the new schedule may lead to conflicts with European clubs, particularly if the tournament takes place during the domestic season.

The 2027 finals in East Africa are yet to be confirmed, while the hosts of the 2028 edition have not been announced. The introduction of the African Nations League in 2029 will provide a new platform for African football, but its success will depend on the level of investment and support from CAF and its stakeholders. The new schedule will also require careful coordination with FIFA and European clubs to avoid conflicts and ensure a smooth transition.

The switch to a four-year cycle marks a significant shift in the scheduling of the Africa Cup of Nations. While the change aims to align more closely with the global football calendar and ensure financial sustainability, it also poses risks to the financial sustainability of CAF. Crucially, this overlooks the potential benefits of increased investment and support for African football, which could lead to improved infrastructure, coaching, and player development. This suggests that the new schedule may

Our internal tone gauge currently reads: Bullish for this development.

1. Africa Cup moves to 4-year cycle as African soccer gets overhaul with new Nations League — https://www.thestar.com/sports/soccer/africa-cup-moves-to-4-year-cycle-as-african-soccer-gets-overhaul-with-new-nations/article_60a44ae3-6539-5801-bcf3-c9651f68ba4d.html

2. Africa Cup of Nations Revamped: Four-Year Cycle Announced — https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/sports-games/3737365-africa-cup-of-nations-revamped-four-year-cycle-announced

3. AFCON To Move To Four-Year Cycle From 2028 - CAF — https://www.naijanews.com/2025/12/20/afcon-to-move-to-four-year-cycle-from-2028-caf/

Methodology: This analysis combines real-time data aggregation from manually selected global sources with advanced AI synthesis, engineered to provide neutral and data-driven insights.