CAF shifts AFCON to four-year cycle making way for new African Nations League
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced significant changes to its tournament calendar, including the launch of a new African Nations League and a shift in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) schedule from a biennial to a four-year cycle.
CAF President Patrice Motsepe revealed the updates during a news conference on Saturday, December 20, ahead of the opening of the 2025 AFCON hosted by Morocco.
Motsepe confirmed that the 2027 edition of AFCON will proceed as scheduled in Uganda, Kenya, and Tanzania. However, the next edition, originally planned for 2029, will now take place in 2028. The subsequent AFCON will be held in 2032.
This adjustment allows room for the inaugural African Nations League to be staged in 2029. Motsepe stated that the competition will include all 54 CAF member associations, grouped into four geographical zones. Matches are expected to be played in September and October, with the final phase held in November.
“What is new is that … in Africa there’s going to be a competition every year where the best African players who play in Europe and worldwide will be with us on the continent,” Motsepe said.
CAF has not yet clarified whether the African Nations League will be held annually or every two years.
The opening fixture of the 2025 AFCON took place on Sunday, December 21, between host nation Morocco and Comoros in front of a sold-out crowd at the Prince Moulay Abdellah Stadium in Rabat.
The Atlas Lions, one of the favourites to win the competition, triumphed with a 2-0 victory over their East African counterpart.
All goals were scored in the second half. Brahim Diaz of Real Madrid opened the scoring in the 55th minute. Substitute Ayoub El Kaabi, who plays for Greek side Olympiacos, added a second goal in the 74th minute, just nine minutes after entering the field.
The tournament marks the 35th edition of AFCON and features 24 teams from across Africa. It is the second time Morocco is hosting the competition, the first being in 1988.
The final is scheduled for January 18, 2026.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
