CAF restores biennial schedule for Africa Cup of Nations

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has reinstated the two-year cycle for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), effectively overturning a decision made in December 2025. The governing body's Executive Committee voted unanimously to abandon the proposed four-year schedule that had been set to replace the traditional format.

In December 2025, CAF announced a shift to a quadrennial tournament, a move that was not widely welcomed by stakeholders. The original plan intended to introduce a biennial CAF Nations League to fill the gap. However, CAF stated that the Nations League would require years to generate sufficient revenue to support African football financially.

Patrice Motsepe, the CAF President, signaled the potential reversal during a strategy conference in Cape Verde earlier this month. He noted that the organization was weighing the return to the biennial format. On Thursday, the Executive Committee finalized the change, confirming that the AFCON will return to its traditional rhythm.

Motsepe said the decision aims to protect the interests of the 54 member associations and African players competing in overseas clubs. The body emphasized that the move advances and promotes the sport across the continent.

The next AFCON is scheduled for 2027, with Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda set to cohost the event. Future tournaments are currently slated for 2028, 2031, and 2033. CAF will skip the 2030 cycle to maintain its long-standing tradition of avoiding the tournament in World Cup years.