AFCON Returns to Two-Year Cycle After CAF Reverses Decision

The Africa Cup of Nations will continue to be held on a biennial basis after the Confederation of African Football reversed an earlier plan to shift the tournament to a quadrennial schedule. During a meeting, the governing body's Executive Committee voted unanimously to bring back the two-year format for the prestigious continental competition.

Traditionally staged every two years, the tournament faced a surprise scheduling change last December when officials announced a move to a four-year cycle alongside a proposed continental Nations League. However, that alteration failed to receive widespread support across the continent. Recent indications from leadership, including remarks by the CAF President at a strategy gathering in Cape Verde, pointed toward a potential U-turn due to financial viability concerns regarding the proposed Nations League.

Officials concluded that the alternative league format would require too many years to build sufficient revenue streams capable of sustaining the sport across the region. Consequently, decision-makers prioritized immediate financial stability and protection for the sport.

CAF reinstated the biennial AFCON schedule to protect African football and member associations.

Leadership noted that restoring the previous schedule serves to advance and defend the collective interests of all member associations and the numerous athletes competing for international clubs outside the continent.

Upcoming Tournament Schedule

The reinstated calendar impacts several upcoming editions of the championship. Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda are set to jointly host the next continental showdown in 2027. Following that event, subsequent competitions are scheduled for 2028, 2031, and 2033. Organizers confirmed that no tournament will take place in 2030, upholding the long-standing tradition of avoiding scheduling conflicts with the global World Cup.