The Africa Cup of Nations will move to a four-year cycle from 2028, Confederation of African Football president Patrice Motsepe announced on Saturday.
The change, unveiled ahead of the 2025 finals in Morocco, ends the biennial format in place since 1968. The 2027 edition, co-hosted by Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda, and a 2028 tournament will be the last held every two years.
Motsepe said the shift aligns African football with the global calendar after talks with FIFA president Gianni Infantino. “We have to compromise,” he told reporters in Rabat. “This is the most exciting new structure for African football.”
CAF also raised the winners’ prize money from USD 7 million to USD 10 million.
New African Nations League from 2029
Motsepe announced an annual African Nations League starting in 2029, running from September to November. Africa’s 54 nations will be divided into four zones — six in the north and 16 each in east, west, and central/southern regions — with zonal winners meeting in November finals.
He called it “the equivalent of an Afcon every year”, promising FIFA partnerships to draw sponsors and bring Europe-based stars home regularly.
Impact on African states and Kenya
The quadrennial Afcon could raise the tournament’s prestige and allow better preparation, but reduced frequency may hit CAF revenues used for grassroots development.
Kenya, co-hosting in 2027, expects an economic boost from tourism, jobs and stadium upgrades in Nairobi and other cities. Fans of the Harambee Stars look forward to heightened national pride and lasting infrastructure gains.
Yet analysts warn the longer gaps could dampen regular excitement and slow talent development. A Kenyan football official said anonymously: “This gives us more time to prepare world-class venues,” but others fear it will reduce momentum in East African football.
Greater global alignment may benefit Europe-based players like Michael Olunga, but many ordinary fans regret losing the biennial celebration.
As the 2025 tournament begins on Sunday — running over Christmas and New Year, with the final on 18 January — attention turns to Morocco’s title bid while Africa’s football future takes shape.
