CAF announces AFCON expansion to 28 teams in four-year cycle
13th February 2026
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has unveiled plans to expand the Africa Cup of Nations to 28 teams and shift the tournament to a four-year cycle, in what could become one of the most significant structural changes in its history.
CAF president Patrice Motsepe announced the proposal during a press briefing in Tanzania, outlining a vision aimed at broadening participation and strengthening the continent’s flagship football competition.
“The AFCON as we know it now is one of Africa’s most important sporting events,” Motsepe said. “We want to increase it to 28 countries, and, as we have said, hold it every four years. This will allow more nations to compete at the highest level, showcase their talent, and contribute to the growth of African football.”
The proposed expansion of the Africa Cup of Nations would give smaller footballing nations greater access to the continental stage, competing alongside traditional powerhouses such as Egypt, Ghana, Cameroon and Senegal.
CAF believes the move will deepen competitiveness, encourage talent development and increase fan engagement across Africa. Officials argue that moving to a four-year cycle would also provide national teams with more preparation time, potentially raising the overall quality of the tournament.
However, the proposal is not without debate. Some stakeholders have expressed concerns about scheduling pressures, travel demands and maintaining competitive balance in a larger tournament format.
CAF has indicated that consultations with member associations and key stakeholders will take place before final decisions are made regarding qualification criteria, tournament structure and logistics.
If approved, the expansion would represent a historic evolution of AFCON, reinforcing its status as Africa’s premier sporting spectacle while opening the door for more nations to write their own chapter in the continent’s football story.
For Motsepe, the objective is clear: to modernise African football and leave a lasting legacy both on and off the pitch.