Africa Cup of Nations to be held every two years

The Executive Committee of the Confederation of African Football (CAF) has decided to host the Africa Cup of Nations every two years.

Operativ Media reports that CAF President Patrice Motsepe commented on the format changes during a strategic conference held in Cabo Verde from October 27 to 29. He announced that the decision made last year to hold the Africa Cup of Nations every four years has been reconsidered. That decision had been taken in connection with plans to create a new pan-African Nations League.

The CAF Executive Committee justified its decision by the need to develop and protect African football and to safeguard the interests of the confederation's 54 member associations, as well as players competing outside Africa.

According to Patrice Motsepe, it may take several years for the new pan-African Nations League to make a significant financial contribution to the development of football and to enhance the international competitiveness of CAF competitions. Therefore, preserving the confederation's financial independence was also a key consideration.

The next Africa Cup of Nations will be hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda in 2027. Motsepe expressed confidence that the tournament will be successfully organized.

According to his statement, subsequent editions of the Africa Cup of Nations will be held in 2028, 2031, and 2033. Due to the FIFA World Cup taking place in 2030, in line with tradition, neither the Africa Cup of Nations final tournament nor national team competitions of other confederations will be organized that year.