AFCON to Take Place Every Four Years: CAF Announces Historic Shift in African Football Calendar

African football is on the brink of one of its most transformative moments in decades. The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has officially confirmed a landmark restructuring of its flagship tournament, announcing that AFCONs are to take place every four years following the 2028 edition. The decision signals a decisive break from nearly seven decades of tradition and reflects CAF’s ambition to modernise African football and align it more closely with global competition standards.

A Major Announcement from CAF Leadership

The announcement was made during CAF’s executive committee meeting held on Saturday, December 20, where President Patrice Motsepe outlined a long-term strategic vision for the continent’s premier international competition. Since its inception in 1957, the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has been staged biennially, making it one of the most frequently held continental tournaments in world football.

Motsepe acknowledged the historical significance of the two-year cycle but emphasized that evolving commercial, sporting, and logistical realities necessitate change. Under the new framework, AFCONs to take place every four years will become the standard format after a short transition period.

Financial Implications and Strategic Considerations

The decision is particularly notable given that AFCON is CAF’s primary revenue generator, accounting for the majority of the organisation’s commercial income through broadcasting rights, sponsorships, and hosting agreements. Traditionally, the biennial schedule ensured a steady flow of revenue, but CAF leadership believes that a four-year cycle can unlock greater long-term value.

By spacing the tournament further apart, CAF aims to:

• Increase global anticipation and prestige around each edition

• Secure higher-value sponsorship and media rights deals

• Reduce calendar congestion for players competing in Europe and other leagues

• Improve organizational and infrastructural standards for host nations

In essence, AFCONs to take place every four years is not merely a scheduling change, but a commercial and branding recalibration.

Transition Timeline: What Happens Before 2029?

CAF has confirmed that the upcoming tournaments will proceed as planned during the transition phase. The 35th edition of the Africa Cup of Nations kicks off on Sunday, December 21, in Morocco, with the host nation opening the competition against Comoros.

Looking ahead:

• The 2027 AFCON finals, jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda, will go ahead as scheduled

• A subsequent edition will be held in 2028

• From 2029 onward, AFCON will adopt a four-year cycle permanently

This phased approach is designed to preserve competitive continuity while allowing CAF and its stakeholders time to adapt.

Introduction of the African Nations League

To offset concerns about reduced competitive opportunities for national teams, CAF also unveiled plans for a new African Nations League, set to launch in 2029. The tournament will be played annually and is modeled closely on UEFA’s Nations League.

Read More about the African nations league here

A New Era for AFCON to Take Place Every Four Years

The move for AFCON to take place every four years marks the beginning of a new era defined by strategic growth, improved competitiveness, and stronger commercial foundations. While the decision may spark debate among fans and stakeholders accustomed to the traditional format, it underscores CAF’s intent to future-proof African football in an increasingly competitive global sports landscape.