AFCON to switch to four-year schedule as CAF unveils major calendar reforms

Confederation of African Football (CAF) President Patrice Motsepe has announced a major overhaul of the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), confirming that the tournament will no longer be held every two years but will instead adopt a four-year cycle.

Motsepe disclosed the decision on Saturday, December 20, during a media briefing ahead of the start of the 2025 AFCON in Morocco, which officially gets underway on Sunday.

The move brings to a close the biennial format that has defined Africa’s premier football competition for more than five decades, dating back to 1968.

Under the new arrangement, the change will take effect after the 2027 AFCON, which is set to be hosted by countries in Eastern Africa. The 2028 edition will still be staged before the transition to the four-year cycle is fully implemented.

Motsepe explained that the decision is part of a wider transformation agenda aimed at modernising and strengthening African football.

“We are introducing the most exciting and forward-looking structure African football has seen,” he said.

CAF officials believe the revised schedule will improve tournament standards, allow host nations adequate preparation time, and reduce congestion in an already crowded global football calendar, easing pressure on players and clubs.

As part of the broader reforms, CAF also revealed plans to launch an African Nations League, with the inaugural edition expected to be played in 2029, further expanding the continent’s competitive football landscape.