CAF Makes U-turn, Returns AFCON to Two-year Cycle

The Confederation of African Football (Caf) has announced a return to the traditional two-year cycle for the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) after initially planning a four-year interval. This decision reversal came following a review of the tournament schedule. Initially, Caf had intended to introduce the African Nations League as a biennial tournament, but it recognized the significant time and resources needed to make the league self-sufficient.

Patrice Motsepe, Caf's president, emphasized that reinstating the two-year Afcon cycle aims to further African football's interests and those of the 54 Caf Member Associations, as well as African players playing abroad. The traditional mid-season hosting of Afcon has often clashed with the European club season, particularly problematic with recent tournaments like the expanded 32-team Club World Cup, which was scheduled in June and July last year.

Consequently, Caf opted for mid-season dates for Afcon as well. The next Afcon is scheduled for 2027, with joint hosting by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda. Subsequent tournaments are set for 2028, 2031, and 2033, with no event planned for 2030 due to the World Cup. The 2025 final, held in Senegal, was notably marred by controversy when Senegal was stripped of their title three months later, with Morocco subsequently proclaimed champions.