The Confederation of African Football has announced plans to expand the Africa Cup of Nations to 28 teams, up from the current 24, in a move aimed at increasing participation across the continent.
CAF President, Patrice Motsepe, disclosed this on Sunday during a press conference following an executive committee meeting.
He said the expansion reflects CAF’s commitment to elevating African football on the global stage.
“It is part of our commitment to world-class football with the best African players from all over the world returning to compete on the continent,” Mr Motsepe said.
Tournament structure
Despite the announcement, Mr Motsepe did not provide details on how the competition format would accommodate the additional four teams or when the new structure would take effect.
The Africa Cup of Nations was previously expanded from 16 to 24 teams in 2019.
Future plans
Mr Motsepe confirmed that the 2027 AFCON tournament will proceed as planned, to be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.
He also revealed that another edition of the tournament is scheduled for 2028, after which AFCON will be held every four years.
In addition, CAF plans to introduce a Nations League competition in 2029, featuring a 16-team final tournament to be staged every two years.
Strategic direction
Speaking on the broader vision, the CAF president emphasised the need for consistency and growth in African football scheduling.
“We have to stop this thing of African fixtures not being predictable, consistent and reliable. We must develop football in East Africa, which is an area of much potential,” he said.
The expansion marks CAF’s latest effort to broaden the reach of its flagship tournament and create more opportunities for emerging football nations to compete at the highest level.
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