CAF Approves Expansion Of AFCON To 28 Teams From 2028

CAF Approves Expansion Of AFCON To 28 Teams From 2028

By Niyi Busari 

The Confederation of African Football (CAF) has announced plans to expand the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) from 24 to 28 teams, marking a significant structural change to the continent’s flagship football competition.

According to CAF, the expanded format will be introduced in the next competition cycle after the 2027 tournament, which is scheduled to be jointly hosted by Kenya, Tanzania, and Uganda.

Under the proposed format, the tournament will feature seven groups of four teams each, increasing the number of participating nations and broadening access to Africa’s premier football stage.

CAF President Patrice Motsepe also confirmed that AFCON will transition from its current biennial schedule to a four-year cycle beginning in 2028. The adjustment is intended to align the competition more closely with global football calendars.

The expansion and scheduling changes are part of CAF’s broader strategy to enhance competitiveness, improve tournament quality, and elevate the global appeal of African football. The move also reflects wider developments in international football, including the expansion of the FIFA World Cup to 48 teams.

CAF believes the new format will strengthen the tournament’s profile and provide more opportunities for emerging football nations across the continent.